Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The sound of motorcycles carried a message of remembrance and gratitude through Central Oregon as Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest made stops in Redmond and Bend this weekend.

The group, made up of passionate and patriotic riders, travels each summer to honor America’s fallen service members and support their families. Their journey this year stretches from Eugene, Oregon, to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Organizers say their mission is rooted in appreciation and remembrance.

“As everyday Americans, we graciously extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of every fallen soldier, and it’s our pledge to let them know their fallen hero will never be forgotten,” the group said in its mission statement on their Facebook page.

The riders stopped in Redmond on Saturday before continuing to Bend, where community members had the chance to see the procession and learn more about the tribute.

The annual ride not only honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also aims to connect with communities along the route, ensuring the legacy of fallen service members lives on across the country.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding corrected video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of cyclists from around the world rolled into Central Oregon this weekend, crossing the finish line of the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder on Sunday after days of riding some of the state’s most rugged terrain.

Now in its seventh year, the sold-out event brought 400 riders to the region for a five-day, point-to-point journey across the Cascades, blending competition with history and community.

Race Director Chad Sperry says the event continues to draw a wide range of participants, from elite athletes to everyday riders.

“We’ve had some of the top professional gravel racers from around the world. We have riders from Europe, all over North America, as well as a number of amateurs that have come to race and compete this year,” Sperry said.

Unlike traditional gravel races, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder takes riders across historic routes once used by early settlers, offering a unique connection to the state’s past.

“This is the only point-to-point gravel race in all of North America. Roads that were built back in the mid 1800s for the pioneers and the settlers that were coming to this valley are now incorporated into these carbon bikes and high technology and these riders that are actually getting to go back and ride over these vintage roads,” Sperry said.

Beyond the race itself, organizers say the multi-day format creates a strong sense of camaraderie. Riders camp together after each stage, sharing meals and building friendships along the way.

“People that had never met before become friends over the course of this, when they ride each day together out on those amazing roads and so forth. So that community aspect is unlike anything that you see in the racing world,” Sperry said.

The event also relies heavily on support from local communities, with volunteers helping at each stop along the route. In return, organizers say they prioritize giving back.

“We get tremendous community support, so we actually give back. This year we’ll be donating close to $20,000 spread out between these communities,” Sperry said.

Organizers say those donations benefit local schools, nonprofits, and trail groups in the areas that host the race.

While this year’s Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder has come to an end, riders say the experience — and the connections made along the way — will last well beyond the finish line.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dozens of Central Oregon residents gathered in Bend this week to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing concerns over recent enforcement actions both locally and nationwide.

The demonstration comes after a fatal encounter earlier this week in Houston, Texas, where a Mexican man was shot and killed by ICE officers. Federal officials say the man rammed a law enforcement vehicle and did not comply with verbal commands during a traffic stop.

In Bend, some protesters connected that incident to broader concerns about immigration enforcement policies and leadership at the federal level.

“I’m here to protest against Donald Trump and, you know, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the establishment Democrats,” said Michael Graham, a Bend resident attending the demonstration.

Others emphasized civic engagement as a response.

“I’m hoping to get people involved so people will make sure to get out and vote in the midterms for the party that will put a check on Trump,” said Gary, another Bend resident.

Organizers with 50-51 Central Oregon also claim two community members were arrested by ICE earlier this week. KTVZ has not independently confirmed those reports or the identities of those involved.

KTVZ has reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for confirmation and is awaiting a response.

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Spencer Sacks

UPDATE: The article has been updated to reflect the court documents, which were provided to KTVZ News through the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District’s website.

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A lawsuit filed against the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District (MACRD) was dismissed by the Jefferson County Circuit Court. The court indicated it would strongly consider awarding reasonable attorney fees to MACRD if the same claims are pursued again and dismissed.

2026.06.10+General+Judgment+of+Dismissal-c1_RedactedDownload

The lawsuit, titled Boynton et al. v. Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District, Case No. 25CV64941, included allegations concerning District operations. These allegations involved summer operations, staffing and hours, use of District facilities by partner organizations, Budget Committee communications and meeting minutes.

The Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District had disputed the claims and filed a motion to dismiss the case.

The court granted MACRD’s motion to dismiss. According to a statement from MACRD, the court’s ruling warned that if petitioners pursue another lawsuit asserting the same dismissed claims and that complaint is dismissed in a similar fashion, the court will strongly consider an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs in favor of MACRD against the petitioners.

MACRD provides this statement for the completeness of the public record. The district stated it remains focused on responsible governance, public service and the continued operation of District programs, services and facilities.

From the MACRD’s website:

Boynton, et al v. Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District, Jefferson County Circuit Court Case No. 25CV64941

Was the FY2025-26 budget approved illegally?

The State of Oregon has local budget laws that government entities are required to follow. A budget committee, consisting of the elected board members and an equal number of district voters/community members, vote to approve a budget, and then the budget goes to the elected governing body for adoption.

The MACRD budget committee voted 4-3 to approve the FY2025-26 budget on June 4, 2025. No one at the meeting was aware that the State had changed its interpretation of the required votes for approval to a majority of seated members (rather than the majority present at the meeting). As a result, it is true that the budget was not approved correctly. The MACRD Board of directors voted 4-0 to adopt the FY2025-26 budget on June 18, 2025.

Once this error was identified, at a special district’s training held on September 22, 2025, staff immediately reached out to the Department of Revenue for guidance. They reviewed the situation and provided theattached memo, resolving the issue.

Why did the MAC close in summer 2025?

The MAC closed from June 2025-August 2025 because there was not enough cash to pay for operations through November 2025 (when property tax revenues are available). Every year, the MACRD receives a tax anticipation loan from Jefferson County to ‘cash flow’ the district until November. In July 2024, a large utility roll tax adjustment occurred in Jefferson County, reducing the MACRD’s general property tax revenue by $38,882 and the bond repayment tax revenue by $36,775. In addition, the assumptions built into the adopted budget used the inflated collections from 2024 as a baseline, so the total reduction to the MACRD general fund budget in FY2024-25 as a result of the utility roll correction was approximately $80,000, plus the $40,000 the debt fund was now short for making the final bond payment, making the total hit to the general fund $120,000 (or approx 10% of the total budget). As a result, the district had to use cash from the tax anticipation loan for FY2025-26 to make the final bond payment in June 2025, resulting in less cash to pay for staffing and utilities over the summer. The board decided to close the pool for the summer to have enough cash to get to November, and to use the opportunity to come into compliance with new State aquatics rules that were adopted in Spring 2025.

Why does it take so many staff for the MAC to have an open rec swim?

The State of Oregon requires that the district maintain a ratio of one lifeguard for every 40 patrons. American Red Cross (ARC), our lifeguard certifying agency, recommends a one lifeguard to every 25 patrons ratio, and also has requirements for where lifeguard stands should be placed around the facility. As a result, the MAC needs, at minimum, 3 lifeguards on deck, actively scanning the lap and leisure pools and spa, to have 120 patrons in the pools. In addition, one lifeguard and either a lifeguard or deck attendant are required (by State law) to monitor the water slide (a staff member at the top, and a lifeguard at the bottom), as well as an ‘off-rotation’ lifeguard in the first-aid room in case of a medical emergency (and to rotate into the lifeguard lineup; ARC requires that lifeguards rotate stations to stay alert every 15-30 minutes). In addition to lifeguards, the MAC has a deck supervisor and patron services staff member onsite, with responsibilities during an emergency response and to provide services to patrons during MAC open hours. The total number of staff required for an open swim, the most staff-intensive activity offered at the MAC, is eight with a maximum of 120 patrons in the building, and we add another lifeguard for every 40 patron spots that are needed/opened.

Why do the locker rooms need to be fixed?

The walls in the MAC locker room were identified as ‘disintegrating’ as early as 2011/12, two years after the pool opened to the public.  At the time, the facilities staff member discovered it and reported it to the executive director and the board of directors.  The facilities manager did “solicit quotes to replace the sheetrock”, but from future board meetings/reports it seems that no action was taken at that time.  Sometime between 2015-2017, the executive director worked with the original builder and the district’s insurance company and a settlement was reached with the original builder for using improper materials in a pool environment in the locker room, hallway, and office walls.  It seems as though those funds were spent on general operations that year and not used to remediate/fix the walls, as it looks like a project was planned for Spring 2018 to fix the locker room walls that was not completed.  In an email dated May 15, 2019, the executive director communicated to the board that facilities staff had opened up “windows” in the drywall in the locker rooms to assess the state of the walls and “found that the actual damaged areas are more extensive than originally discussed”.  He indicated that he had reached out to the Jefferson County Public Health Department and expressed that he was told that as long as it was covered/not exposed, that it did not pose a health threat and the pool can remain open.  This is all based on reviewing files and not current staff’s direct experience, so dates/details reflect what could be confirmed from researching staff notes, reports and emails.  In 2020, a project was initiated to clean up the baseboards of the walls in the locker room, hallway, and office exterior walls as an interim measure until a replacement of the walls could occur, buying the district 5-10 years of time before that project needed to be completed. 

Is the MAC a clean air, cooling and warming shelter?

Yes, when weather and/or air quality conditions meet the district’s policy threshold for opening as a shelter, the MAC will open to the public during regular business hours. The Inclement Weather and Environmental Quality Policy is available here.

Why did the MACRD choose to put a permanent tax rate on the ballots in May 2024 and 2025?

The district hired a consultant to do a business plan based on the 2023-2033 Master Plan in December 2024 (see district plan documents above). The business plan found that the district needs $1.4-$1.6 million in property taxes to support the programs, services and facilities that community members identified as priorities in the master plan. The current permanent property tax rate of $0.25/1,000 (brings in approximately $290,000/year) and local option levy at $0.40/1,000 (brings in approximately $450,000/year). To put it in perspective, the MAC facility expenses for one year, without staff costs, was $285,600 plus another $35,435 for liability insurance (FY2024-25).

This financial reality means that the district could not continue to offer the same level of services, while addressing the capital maintenance needs of MAC and maintaining a balanced budget. The board of directors considered several options to fill the funding gap and chose to pursue a permanent property tax levy to create long-term sustainability, and support priorities for facilities and programming that the community identified in the master plan as important to the communities we serve. The timing of paying off the original construction bond that was levied at $0.54/1,000 in 2024, seemingly made the messaging of “no new taxes” helpful, which was part of why $1.19/1,000 was chosen for the final proposed permanent tax levy rate. If the district had gone out for a local option levy and passed it, every 5-years it would need to go out again and message that, if it failed, programs and services would be reduced (many times this is interpreted as “threatening” the public to vote a certain way). In addition, the cost of elections every 5-years is significant, both financially and from a volunteer/time commitment perspective.

To complicate matters, the State of Oregon does not provide a way to change a permanent tax rate. As a result, the district was required to put two measures on the ballot, which many found confusing. One measure was to dissolve the existing district, and the second was to create a new district with a new permanent tax rate. This solution would have set the recreation district up as a fully-functioning recreation district for years to come, and its failure has resulted in the district re-prioritizing aquatics recreation programming to ensure tax payer dollars are used wisely and for the original intended purpose of the district when it was created in November 2004.

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Spencer Sacks

Today marks National Lineworker Appreciation Day, recognizing the men and women who ensure communities remain powered and connected. These essential workers are being honored for their dedicated service, often performed under challenging and hazardous conditions.

Lineworkers often respond to emergencies and accidents, operating similarly to first responders who are on call at all hours. Their duties frequently involve working in severe weather, at significant heights and around dangerous levels of electricity. Many lineworkers live within the same communities they serve.

Omar Granados, a communications specialist for Pacific Power, expressed the utility’s gratitude toward its employees. “We want to say thank you to our line workers for everything that they do,” Granados said. “They keep showing up every day, often. And challenging conditions to keep our communities powered and connected.” Pacific Power recently opened a new operation center in Central Oregon. This facility is specifically designed to train lineworkers for the local community.

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Spencer Sacks

A world-class horse show, the Oregon High Desert Classics, is currently underway in Central Oregon, hosted by J-Bar-J Ranch. This nationally recognized hunter-jumper show, featuring more than 240 horses and riders, offers free admission to the public.

The annual event serves as one of J-Bar-J’s most important fundraisers. More than 240 horses and riders are participating, traveling from across the West Coast and Canada. The competition highlights hunter-jumper disciplines; hunters navigate obstacle courses demonstrating skill and grace, while jumpers aim to complete courses of tall jumps as quickly as possible.

Daily events are running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Chief Keith Riggs Operating Officer for J BAR J, invited the public to experience the event. “Anybody looking to come out and join us, events start about 830 in the morning and run through 330 in the afternoon,” Riggs said. “That’s that’s all day to day. Tomorrow’s event, the again, the, Grand Prix being the highlight event starts at about 4:00. At any time, it’s free for the public to come out and see and enjoy again. Bring your lawn chairs, bring a blanket, whatever you choose. And come out and see a world class event.” Beyond the competition, attendees can find additional attractions such as food carts and shops. An on-site chiropractor is also available for both people and horses. J-Bar-J is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

The Grand Prix, described as the highlight event, is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, July 11, 2026. Other daily events will also continue tomorrow, running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new proposal in Deschutes County seeks to change how voters elect county commissioners, potentially introducing ranked-choice voting to future races. The initiative is currently in the signature-gathering stage and aims to decide elections on a single ballot.

Current system and proposed change

If approved, the measure would replace the current “first-past-the-post” system, which often leads to runoff elections. Under the existing model, a candidate must receive 50% plus one vote to win outright; otherwise, the top two candidates advance to a runoff.

Two commissioner races in Deschutes County are headed to a runoff this November under that system.

Where ranked-choice is already used

In Oregon, ranked-choice voting is already used in Multnomah and Benton counties, as well as in the cities of Portland and Corvallis.

How ranked-choice voting works

Under the proposed system, voters rank candidates from most to least preferred. Ballots are first counted by each voter’s top choice.

If a candidate meets a set threshold, such as 25% in a three-seat race, they win a seat and surplus votes are redistributed.

If no candidate meets the threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those votes are reassigned based on next choices.

The process continues until all seats are filled.

Supporters cite broader representation

Amanda Page, co-petitioner for Voices for All Deschutes, said ranked-choice voting allows for broader representation beyond geography.

“And so for me, it provides representation not just for those geographical differences, but also ideological differences,” Page said.

Brian Smith, with the Tribal Democracy Project, said the system reflects proportional representation.

“It comes to this idea of representation that’s proportionate. Legislative bodies, commissions, councils — they should reflect the voters while still protecting the majority,” Smith said.

Limited scope of proposal

The proposed change would apply only to Deschutes County commissioner races. Other elections would continue using the current system.

Implementation and logistical challenges

Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison said the change would shift commissioner races off the May ballot and require significant public outreach.

“So we would not have commissioner race on the ballot in May as we do right now. That’s one big piece. The other thing will just be implementation. A lot of outreach,” Dennison said.

Costs and system upgrades

Dennison said the county would need to upgrade its ballot tabulation system to handle ranked-choice voting.

“We’ll have to modify our ballot tabulation system, pay for the upgrade to be able to count those ranked choice voting races,” he said.

He added that a second ballot could be required, potentially increasing printing and mailing costs.

What’s next

The proposal must gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, where voters would ultimately decide its fate.

Upcoming public forum

The League of Women Voters will host a forum on ranked-choice voting Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bend Central Library.

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Lance Campbell

BEND, Ore. — After a warm summer day in Central Oregon, an evening breeze can make it feel like the perfect time to head outside with your pet. But while the air may be cooling down, the pavement beneath their paws often isn’t.

Dark asphalt can absorb and retain heat throughout the day, remaining much hotter than the surrounding air into the evening.

It happens every summer: temperatures begin to ease, but asphalt and concrete are still holding onto the day’s heat. That’s what catches many pet owners off guard, according to Dr. Byron Maas of Bend Veterinary Clinic.

“The pavement can actually still be hot throughout the evening,” Maas said. “It absorbs heat all day long.”

Maas said he typically sees more heat-related injuries in mid-to-late July and August, but Central Oregon’s warmer start to summer has brought those concerns earlier this year.

“If you can imagine the pavement being 130 or 140 degrees, that’s actually cooking temperature,” Maas said. “Walking across that, they can get blisters and start having injuries right away.”

Before heading out, Maas recommends taking a few seconds to check the pavement with the back of your hand.

If you can’t comfortably keep your hand there for several seconds, he says it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Dogs are especially vulnerable because their paw pads stay in direct contact with the ground. Maas says owners should watch for limping, repeatedly lifting their feet, licking their paws, redness or blistering after a walk.

One of the biggest mistakes, Maas said, is assuming the risk disappears once the sun starts going down.

“The pavement still holds that energy,” he said. “Be careful and watch out for that.”

Whether it’s an evening walk through the neighborhood, a stop at a local park or a trip to the river, Maas recommends planning outdoor activities earlier in the day whenever possible and choosing grass, shaded areas or other cooler surfaces instead of pavement. If your dog wears protective booties, he says they should be introduced gradually so pets become comfortable wearing them before longer outings.

Summer in Central Oregon also means more hikes, afternoons at the park and days spent on the river. Maas says those outings should always include plenty of water because dogs cool themselves primarily by panting—not sweating.

Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting, making access to water especially important during hot weather.

If you think your dog has burned its paws, Maas recommends cooling them with water as soon as possible. If you notice blistering or more serious injuries, contact your veterinarian for treatment.

Maas also offered another reminder as temperatures climb: Never leave a pet inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Interior temperatures can rise rapidly, creating a life-threatening emergency.

A summer walk doesn’t have to stop because of the heat. Maas says taking a few extra seconds to check the pavement before heading out can help keep a routine outing from ending with burned paws and a trip to the veterinarian.

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Spencer Sacks

Fishing enthusiasts, get ready to reel in some inspiration from the impressive catches. From German brown trout to a 26-inch beauty from the Upper Deschutes River, these anglers are setting the bar high. Join the fun and share your own big fish photos for a chance to be featured.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A vehicle crash disrupted traffic at a busy Bend intersection Thursday afternoon after it appeared a car left the roadway and struck an electrical box. It happened around 1 p.m. near the intersection of Northeast 3rd Street and OB Riley Road.

When KTVZ News arrived on scene, it appeared the driver and responding officials were present, though details about possible injuries or what led up to the crash have not yet been confirmed.

The impact knocked out traffic signals at the intersection, creating delays in the high-traffic area. Drivers were seen treating the junction as a four-way stop while navigating through.

The Oregon Department of Transportation temporarily paused in the area to post warning signs along U.S. 20/Northeast 3rd Street and OB Riley Road, alerting drivers to the outage.

KTVZ News is working to gather more information and will provide updates as they become available.

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