Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms in December that caused more than $15.4 million in damage across Oregon. The request seeks public assistance for nine counties and statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The storms, which occurred from December 15th to December 21st, brought record rainfall, high winds and an atmospheric river. This weather system triggered widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides that impacted communities throughout the state.

A joint preliminary damage assessment validated more than $15.4 million in eligible damages across the state. Tillamook County recorded the highest per-capita damage at $154.29 per person. Without federal help, state officials said rural communities and consumer-owned utilities could face significant financial strain.

Gov. Kotek emphasized that the scale of the destruction has exhausted local resources. “The scale of damage from December’s severe storms impacted multiple Oregon communities, with more than $15 million in losses and needed repairs. Rural communities are stretched beyond their limits and help from FEMA is urgently needed,” Gov. Kotek said. “I’m requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump because Oregonians did the hard work of showing up for each other and they deserve federal support to rebuild.”

At the peak of the weather event, more than 300,000 Oregonians lost power and multiple highways and interstates were forced to close. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has developed an interactive StoryMap to provide a detailed timeline and geographic overview of the storm’s impact. One person died in Yamhill County as a result of the storms.

Erin McMahon, the director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, noted that the storm arrived with very little warning. McMahon previously led the agency through other recent recovery efforts. “This storm struck our communities with little warning, leaving widespread damage and compounding the hardships from earlier storms and ongoing recovery efforts,” McMahon said. “Local governments and utilities have worked tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services, but the scale of destruction far exceeds what local resources can manage alone. Federal assistance is critical to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters.”

The request for public assistance specifically targets nine counties: Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill. Additionally, the governor requested statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. If the declaration is approved, federal funds will support debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and other public infrastructure.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend announced Thursday it’s launching an interactive campaign to celebrate its 100-year anniversary of providing water services.

Prior to 1926, the community’s drinking water came from the Deschutes River. In the early 1920s, dams built at Crane Prairie and Crescent Lake led to algae blooms and tainted water supplies. So the city found a new water source and took over the service of providing drinking water from Bend Water, Light & Power Company.

In 1926, the Bend Municipal Watershed was established, Bridge Creek and mountain spring water became the primary source of Bend’s drinking water, and the city began a century of exceptional water services that still benefit the community today, officials said in a news release outlining its plans.

Over the course of the year, the city’s campaign will feature how the Water Services Department supplies, protects and conserves our drinking water, and also helps safeguard water quality of the river and groundwaters.

To celebrate 100 years of Bend Water Services, the city will share seasonal activities to inspire the community to learn about, explore and protect Bend’s water system throughout 2026.  

This spring, opportunities will focus on the history, the watershed and the foundations of Bend’s water services. In the summer, the focus will be conservation, community and the value of water. And in the fall, the themes will be stormwater, wastewater and everyday stewardship.

Show how you ❤️ Bend Water by joining in the fun:

Visit us at community events

Try a Learn, Explore or Protect activity

Share your photos and participation with us!

Sign up to get enews updates throughout the year — including new seasonal activities, must-see videos, behind the scenes stories, and opportunities to submit selfies or quick input, to get entered to win prizes that will be distributed at the end of 2026.

Visit bendoregon.gov/celebrate-water to learn more and celebrate.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Senate co-chairs of the Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend), spoke out Thursday in opposition to Initiative Petition 28, which they said “would make lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping illegal and turn nearly one million Oregonians into criminals.”

IP28, the People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act, is an initiative petition whose proponents are gathering signatures and seeking to qualify for the November ballot.

The senators said in a news release that the measure would remove the established exemptions from Oregon’s animal abuse statutes that protect legal actions such as lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping; rodeos; killing animals for food; wildlife management practices; scientific or agricultural research or teaching with animals; even trapping pests and vermin.

In addition, they said, the language in IP28 would remove the exemption for acts of “good animal husbandry” such as dehorning, docking tails, castration or neutering of livestock, and would also classify standard breeding practices, such as artificial insemination, as sexual assault.

By eliminating lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping, IP28 “would eliminate the main funding source for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and have detrimental effects on wildlife management,” Smith and Broadman said.

“Historically, sportsmen contribute 45-55% of ODFW’s budget, comprising the majority of dollars used for wildlife management and conservation,” Smith said. “The General Fund, or Oregon’s taxpayer dollars, makes up only 10% of ODFW’s budget, nowhere close to the amount needed to operate the agency and benefit Oregon’s wildlife.”

In addition to the direct economic impact to ODFW, the two senators said that “shutting down farming, ranching, dairy farming, and commercial fishing would create incredible negative impacts to Oregon’s statewide economy, causing increased tax pressure and reduced state services for all Oregonians.”

“Buying locally raised foods at the local farmers market would be outlawed, while restaurant and grocery prices would increase substantially due to the need to ship meat and dairy products in from out of state,” Broadman said. “Hunting and fishing for food is a part of Oregon’s heritage, and for many of us, part of who we are.”

Adding additional insult to these effects, the Senators said IP28 also does not exempt Oregon’s Tribes from the ban on hunting and fishing, even for sustenance or ceremonial uses.

The proponents have collected over 100,000 of the 117,173 signatures needed by July 2 to qualify for the ballot. The Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus said it “encourages all Oregonians to register to vote and, should IP28 qualify for the ballot, defeat the measure by historical margins.”

One group supporting the proposed measure, In Defense of Animals, called it “a bold, far-reaching ballot initiative” but added, “The campaign behind Yes On IP28 is not naive. They do not expect the initiative to pass in 2026. The goal is to build the infrastructure necessary to consistently return to the ballot, shift public consciousness, and continue forcing the conversation until it succeeds.”

Here’s the text of the initial proposed initiative, as submitted in October 2023 to the Oregon Elections Division:

Initiative Petition 28 textDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor received 17 inches of snow in the past week, and more is on the way, just in time for a variety of special events this weekend.

The resort said forecasts call for an additional 3-4 inches by Friday morning, then broken clouds and scattered light snow showers Friday and Saturday before returning to heavy snowfall on Sunday. 

Teams are assessing and preparing the Northwest chairlift to reopen on Friday, conditions permitting. 

They advised guests to check the Mountain Report and Lift & Trails Status page Friday morning for operational updates and safety advisories.  

Several events are taking place at Mt. Bachelor over the next few days. Here’s the rundown: 

Friday-Saturday, February 20 -21 

Nordic High School State Championships: Friday’s race will be a mass-start free style race and Saturday will feature a classic race as well as a team relay. Expect impacts to the trail network and check the Nordic Report for updates. A free trail pass will be available inside the Nordic Lodge for spectators walking to the race stadium. Spectators on skis or snowshoes must have a valid Nordic pass or ticket.  

Saturday, February 21 

Red Chair Round-Up: Join Mt. Bachelor and Deschutes Brewery at the base of the Red Chair chairlift to celebrate the fan-favorite Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale (only available during the winter season). The first 50 guests to show up will get a free beer. The event will also feature music, swag giveaways, and burritos.  

Jr. Ranger with Discover Your Northwest | Mt. Bachelor: Discover Your Northwest and Mt. Bachelor invite families to explore the wonders of the forest and learn about the importance of winter, all while earning a Junior Snow Ranger badge. This free family event will be hosted at the Early Riser Yurt in the Sunrise Base Area. 

Passholder Early Ups: Outplay 365 and Full Season Passholders can enjoy early access to the slopes via Pine Marten chairlift, which will open at 8:00 a.m., conditions permitting. Ski area boundaries will be Olympian on the east and Outback Way to Leeway on the West.  

Saturday-Sunday, February 21-22 

FREE Telemark Demos: Join 22 Designs at the base of Red Chair and demo telemark skis for free. Plus, Mt. Bachelor’s Telemark Skills Clinic has openings on Saturday, February 1.  

On-Snow Demos Presented by Mt. Bachelor Sports: Try out the latest skis and snowboards at the base of Red Chair. For $25, participants can test up to three different ski or snowboard options, based on availability. The $25 demo fee can be credited toward a purchase of skis or a snowboard. All demos require a credit card. Demo equipment is adult sizing only. Must be 18 or have a legal guardian present. Demo boots will not be available. Demo snowboard bindings will not be available, guests should bring their own bindings to better focus on board feel and performance. 

Sunday, February 22 

Demo Day at Mt. Bachelor Nordic: This is Mt. Bachelor’s biggest Nordic Demo of the season. Test out the latest skis, boots, and poles from top Nordic brands including Salomon, Fischer, Atomic, Peltonen, and more. Demos are free, but a valid Nordic pass or ticket is required.  

Hoodoo Ski Area also reopened Thursday after a closure for several days due to low snow conditions.

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Oregon Capital Chronicle

By Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate in a 17-11 vote Thursday advanced a Central Oregon lawmaker’s bill meant to safeguard public lands against the threat of privatization. 

Senate Bill 1590, sponsored by Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, would prohibit state agencies from using any funding, data, equipment or staff to help the federal government sell or transfer federal lands to private parties. The measure puts no restrictions on tribes.

Broadman brought the bill in response to efforts from congressional Republicans to include in their massive summer 2025 tax and spending law plans to sell between 2 to 3 million acres of federally-managed land across 11 Western states, including hiking trails and campgrounds in Oregon.

Those provisions ultimately failed after receiving bipartisan pushback and because Congress could not guarantee that those lands wouldn’t be bought by antagonistic foreign interests.

Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, on the Senate floor on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Roughly 53% of land in Oregon is managed by the federal government, specifically the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service.

“We will not collaborate with federal efforts to privatize our national parks, our monuments, our sacred places,” Broadman said. 

The Senate advanced the bill along party lines, with Republicans citing concerns that the bill would limit private and public partnerships meant to manage the state’s natural resources and protect the health and safety of Oregonians. 

Sen. Todd Nash, an Enterprise Republican and cattle rancher, said there are times when it is beneficial to transfer public lands to private hands. 

“I just don’t want to put us in a place where we don’t have the benefit of doing that, allowing counties and the state of Oregon to participate in that transfer,” he said. 

The bill heads to the House next.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man armed with a knife who repeatedly tried forcing way into a couple’s travel trailer off Highway 20 early Thursday morning threatened to kill them and injured the woman, who grabbed her own knife, before Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrested him in a nearby struggle.

Deputies responded at 6:17 a.m. to a report of an attempted break-in and assault at a travel trailer located in the 6000 block of Central Street, east of Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters, Public Information Officer Jason Carr said..

Carr said Bradon Michael Planty, 52, tried to force his way into a travel trailer where a couple is living on their own property while the house is for sale.

The suspect allegedly broke a window, tried to get inside and threatened to kill the couple. The male victim was able to call 9-1-1 for help, Carr said.

During the confrontation, detectives say Planty used a knife to partially gain entry and caused injuries to the female victim, though Carr told KTVZ News the suspect was never able to fully enter the travel trailer.

The woman was then able to arm herself with her own knife in self-defense, Carr said, but “Planty gained possession of both knives and tried using them against her.” The woman kept Planty from gaining entry for several minutes, until deputies arrived.

Planty ran from the trailer, but was later found nearby by deputies. Carr said he resisted arrest and assaulted a deputy before he was taken into custody without further incident.

The female victim was treated at the scene and declined transport to the hospital. Carr told us the man lived in the same area and they knew each other, but was uncertain to what extent.

Planty was arrested and booked into the Deschutes County Jail on numerous charges:

First-degree Assault – Felony

Second-degree Assault – Felony

Assault on a Public Safety Officer – Felony

2 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Felony

Coercion – Felony

First-degree Burglary

First-degree Criminal Trespass 

Menacing

First-degree Criminal Mischief (property damage)

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. 

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Barney Lerten

(UPDATE: adding video)REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Monster X Tour will once again bring national monster truck competitions to the First Interstate Bank Center in Redmond, with afternoon and evening shows this Saturday.

The event includes 10,000-pound trucks competing in racing, wheelie contests and freestyle action, and this year’s theme focuses on America’s 250th birthday. The trucks are specifically designed for car-crushing maneuvers and freestyle stunts.

The motorsports event serves as a showcase for competitive monster trucks and off-road vehicles. Along with the main truck competitions, the schedule includes the Gambler 500 Tuff Truck Challenge and a pre-event Pit Party, where fans can meet the drivers and see the equipment up close.

Performances are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each show is preceded by an Autograph Pit Party. The afternoon Pit Party runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the evening session takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission to the Pit Party allows fans to see the vehicles and meet drivers before the competition.

The tour features several competitive categories, including Racing, Wheelie Contests and Freestyle Action.

Organizers noted that the monster truck lineup is subject to change without notice. In addition to the main events, the program includes the Gambler 500 Tuff Truck Challenge, where off-roaders compete head-to-head in a test of durability.

Attendees also have the option to ride in a real monster truck, for an added fee, during both the Pit Party and the intermission period.

Tickets are available for purchase through the First Interstate Bank Center Box Office or online at https://www.monsterxtour.com/.

All ticket sales are subject to service charges and miscellaneous fees. Potential attendees should note that ticket prices will increase on the day of the show.

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KTVZ – News Team

WASHINGTON. — U.S. Senators. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley will not attend the State of the Union address on Feb. 24, choosing instead to host a virtual town hall for Oregonians. The live online event will focus on protecting the U.S. Constitution and addressing federal policy concerns.

The town hall, co-hosted with the organization People’s Town Hall, will give residents the opportunity to ask questions and share viewpoints. The senators announced the move as a way to resist what they described as assaults on the Bill of Rights while engaging directly with their constituents.

The virtual town hall is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on YouTube. Oregonians who wish to participate can submit questions to the senators in advance through an online portal.

Senator Wyden explained his decision by citing concerns over the economy and legal issues. He also mentioned the current administration’s handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

“Sitting through Donald Trump’s unhinged ramblings about his unconstitutional schemes does nothing to help Oregonians justifiably concerned about his attacks on the economy and the law as well as his desperate diversions from the Epstein investigation,” Wyden said. He added that he prefers to hear “the truth” from his constituents during the alternative event.

Senator Merkley criticized the impact of the administration’s policies on working-class families. He stated that the boycott of the national address is a move to prioritize direct connection with his home state.

“After a year in office, Trump has made America poorer and sicker,” Merkley said. “He ran for president promising to help working people, but in office he’s only helped the rich and powerful. Trump is putting up red tape for families and rolling out the red carpet for billionaires. Every day of the week, I’ll choose to boycott the wannabe dictator and connect with Oregonians.”

The event is being held in collaboration with People’s Town Hall, an organization formed by the founders of the Town Hall Project. Nathan Williams, a representative of People’s Town Hall, described the partnership as a way to ensure elected officials remain accountable to their constituents.
“Direct dialogue with our leaders is a cornerstone of our democracy and it’s never been more important for our elected representatives to listen to the people they work for: their constituents,” Williams said.

This virtual format follows the senators’ established practice of regular engagement with Oregon residents. Both Wyden and Merkley conduct at least one town hall in each of the state’s 36 counties every year.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police said Thursday they have arrested a convicted sex offender and are seeking any additional victims.

Bend resident Erick Nazario Aguirre, 31, who has worked at a number of fast food restaurants in Bend, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor.  

Read the full press release from the Bend Police Department below, including all charges against the suspect.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, Bend Police detectives arrested 31-year-old Bend resident Erick Nazario Aguirre on suspicion of second-degree sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor.  

Nazario Aguirre’s most recent arrest stemmed from an ongoing sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Nazario Aguirre was first arrested on suspicion of the same offenses involving the same minor in September 2025.  

In 2018, Nazario Aguirre was arrested on suspicion of luring a minor for sexual conduct, as well as online corruption of a child in the first and second degrees. He was ultimately charged with 10 counts of luring a minor, pleaded guilty to three counts and served 90 days in the county jail. That case also involved underage girls. In the years between cases, Nazario Aguirre has worked in a variety of fast-food restaurants throughout Bend.  

Bend Police detectives believe Nazario Aguirre may have victimized additional minors between his 2018 arrest and today. If you have information to share, please contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.  

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A conduct complaint was filed this week against Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, alleging he created a hostile environment and intimidated a colleague during a committee session on gun policy. The complaint claims Kropf pressured Rep. Thủy Trần, D-Portland, to change her vote on an amendment to a high-profile firearms bill on February 16th.

The incident in question occurred during a House Judiciary Committee work session for House Bill 4145. After Trần initially voted “no” on a proposed amendment, Kropf called an immediate recess and spoke with her privately for nearly 20 minutes. When the committee reconvened, Trần changed her vote to “yes,” which allowed the measure to pass and advance out of the committee.

Derek LeBlanc filed the formal conduct complaint with the Legislative Equity Office on February 16th, 2026, as a private citizen. LeBlanc, who was present for the work session, described watching the interaction from the gallery.

“Rep. Trần had just voted no. The next person up to vote was Rep. Kropf,” LeBlanc said. “But he pivoted really quickly, called a recess and then took her outside for, I would imagine, close to 15 minutes.” While LeBlanc did not hear the private conversation, he expressed concern regarding Trần’s appearance when the lawmakers returned to the room.

“I don’t know what was said specifically,” LeBlanc said. “All I can read is obviously her body language as she came back into the room. She was visibly distraught. She looked like she was shaking.”

Rep. Trần did not respond KTVZ News’ request for comment, but addressed the incident to OregonLive/The Oregonian. She characterized the atmosphere during the session as unprofessional.

“Upon reflection, it created a hostile working environment to me, staff, advocates and the public,” Trần said. While the complaint alleged she was “visibly shaken” and had “tears in her eyes,” Trần clarified that “there were no tears,” though she noted that “the meeting caused stress for many in the room, not just me.”

Despite the friction during the meeting, Trần stated to OregonLive/The Oregonian that she continues to value her professional relationship with Kropf. “I have a great deal of respect for Democratic Rep. Kropf of Bend, but his management of events made for a less than ideal situation during a Monday meeting,” Trần said. She added that she understands the “tremendous pressure” placed on committee chairs during a short legislative session.

Rep. Kropf, who serves as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, declined to comment on the specifics of the complaint, but issued a statement regarding the intensity of the legislative environment.

“It’s natural that tensions run high in this building: we’re doing important, detailed work that will affect all of our fellow Oregonians for years to come and we’re doing it on a very public stage,” Kropf stated. He noted that the atmosphere is “particularly true when navigating a weighty issue like preventing gun tragedy.” Kropf also emphasized his regard for Trần’s work as a legislator.

“I can say that I have known Rep. Trần to be an incredibly thoughtful legislator and I hold deep respect for her as a colleague,” he stated.

Kropf is a chief sponsor of the bill that was being debated during the session. The incident drew criticism from other lawmakers, including Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston, who addressed the behavior on the House floor Tuesday.

Without naming Kropf directly, Skarlatos called the act of pulling a member out of a committee to change a vote “inappropriate.” He told fellow representatives that “everyone’s vote is sacred” and such actions go against the principles of a republic.

House Bill 4145 seeks to modify the firearm permit provisions of Ballot Measure 114. The voter-approved measure, which has been the subject of multiple legal challenges regarding its constitutionality, has not yet taken effect since its passage in November 2022.

The Legislative Equity Office is currently reviewing the complaint filed by LeBlanc. Investigations conducted by the office are generally confidential under legislative rules. House Bill 4145 is now scheduled to move to the House floor for further consideration.

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