Category: ktvz-local-news

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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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video and comments from athletes, coach)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — High Desert Special Olympics athletes are heading to Corvallis this weekend for the State Summer Games, representing Central Oregon with more than just competitive spirit.

At Awbrey Glen Golf Club in Bend, the driving range has become a weekly hub for athletes to sharpen their skills and build confidence.

“Every Thursday, we host our local Special Olympians and give them the opportunity to come out and enjoy the game of golf,” said Tommy Berg, general manager at Awbrey Glen Golf Club. “It’s fun to see the smiles that they have and the joy that they have when they get to play.”

Among those athletes is Felicity Woods, a Special Olympics golfer who recently earned a gold medal at the USA Games in Minnesota.

“I’m just so proud to receive a gold medal. I did not expect that at all,” Woods said. “I feel like the victory and the success just building with my golf skills for the nationals — it’s such an honor and a very amazing experience.”

Now, she’s preparing to compete again at the state level.

Zachary Herrmann is also heading to Corvallis to compete in golf. He previously brought home bronze in soccer at the USA Games and says the experience has connected him with athletes far beyond Central Oregon.

“You build friendships throughout the state. And even when you go on the national level, you meet friends from across the country and you make connections that you wouldn’t have otherwise,” Herrmann said. “Like it’s one big family basically.”

For head golf coach Marilyn Goddard-Rowland, the impact of Special Olympics is deeply personal — her son is also an athlete in the program.

“He found a place that he fits,” she said. “To see him grow now into a grown man and having wonderful relationships with people…Special Olympics has done a lot to help him grow in those areas.”

She says strong community support in Central Oregon plays a key role in that growth.

“We are just very, very blessed in Central Oregon,” Goddard-Rowland said. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation with the community. They care about our kids. They’re always excited to see my athletes when we show up.”

As athletes prepare for the State Summer Games, many say the experience is about more than competition.

“Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” Woods said. “And always remember, it’s not all about winning. It’s all about inclusion and all about having fun.”

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Adrielle Hasara

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nine local bands will perform at Bands for Bread, a free benefit concert to fight food insecurity, on Friday, July 31. The second annual event takes place from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Boneyard Pub in Bend, Oregon, and supports the efforts of St. Vincent de Paul – Bend.

Boneyard Pub will donate $1 for every beer sold during the event to the nonprofit organization.

Paul – Bend is a social service nonprofit that operates one of the largest food pantries in Central Oregon, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. The Bands for Bread event also includes merch sales, a silent auction and raffle prizes to raise additional funds.

Last year, the benefit concert raised $2,324 when it was held at Bend Brewing Company, despite facing wind, rain and snow.

The idea for Bands for Bread originated from Jonah, a member of the local band Long Operators. Jonah started the effort after the passing of his grandfather, a preacher in the Seattle archdiocese. He sought ways to perform service and learned about his own family’s past reliance on Paul.

“I had been thinking for a couple of years since his passing of ways to do something of service,” Jonah said. The plan for the event solidified after discussions with his mother.

Sue Shea, Board Chair of Paul – Bend, expressed the significant need for community support. “Our needs are great and sometimes overwhelming and this effort will have a huge impact,” Shea said.

The nonprofit also provides additional programs, including low-income rentals, a high-barrier shelter and support services for neighbors in need. Kaylee Graham serves as the Executive Director of Paul – Bend.

Bands for Bread started as an Instagram direct message from Jonah to Paul. The event, now in its second year, has gained community support and grown since its inception.

For more information, follow Bands for Bread on Instagram and Paul – Bend on Facebook. Inquiries can also be sent via email to stvincentbend@gmail.com.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From concerns regarding the voter-passed 2020 Transportation GO Bond to reports of illegal firework use over the 4th of July weekend, KTVZ asked Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler your pressing questions.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Kebler at any time as part of our exclusive monthly segment and have your question featured on next months live visit to the studio. Just click here.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-born author Michelle Kutz has released her new children’s book, “Mrs. Moon.”

The short story is a bedtime rhyme was inspired by Kutz’s granddaughter and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Designed to help children fall asleep, “Mrs. Moon” offers a soft yet memorable pattern. The book also incorporates a religious message, providing a comforting narrative for young readers. The backdrop of the story is Lake Sammamish in Washington.

Kutz described the moment the inspiration for her book, came to her on a walk with her granddaughter: “The Pacific Northwest being so beautiful. We would get outside as much as possible,” Kutz said. “And I wanted her to enjoy nature. And obviously, I’m trying to teach her things as we walk and talk when she’s little. So, we walked and I looked up at the moon and said, Mrs. Moon, Mrs. moon, how are you this afternoon? And she giggled and I thought, oh, this is fun. So let’s roll with it.”

“Mrs. Moon” is currently available for purchase through online retailers Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Kutz, the author, has contacted several bookstores located in Central Oregon and hopes these local establishments will choose to carry her new children’s book soon.

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Lance Campbell

BEND, Ore. — Central Oregon is known for outdoor recreation, but for local ice sports athletes, access to year-round ice remains limited.

The Forge Community Iceplex, a proposed nonprofit indoor ice facility in northeast Bend, hopes to change that. The project would create Central Oregon’s first dedicated year-round indoor ice facility with two NHL-regulation ice sheets.

Rendering of the proposed Forge Community Iceplex, a planned year-round indoor ice facility in northeast Bend.Rendering courtesy: The Forge Community Iceplex

Organizers are raising $40 million to build a 70,000-square-foot complex featuring two NHL-regulation ice sheets, training space, a pro shop, event areas and a restaurant. Organizers hope to build the facility on a site near Northeast 18th Street and Cooley Road, across from Les Schwab headquarters in Bend, if fundraising goals are met.

Tyler Brower, vice president of The Forge and a founding board member, said the project is being funded entirely through private philanthropy rather than taxpayer-supported bonds or public debt.

“We want our community to feel not only that it’s for them, but it’s theirs,” Brower said. “We are building this as a place where our community can grow and shape and build a future together.”

The Forge operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Brower said the debt-free approach is designed to support long-term financial stability while giving the community ownership of the project.

If completed, the facility would become Central Oregon’s first dedicated year-round indoor ice complex with two NHL-regulation sheets. Bend’s existing public rink, The Pavilion, is a seasonal, open-air facility.

Site plan rendering of the proposed Forge Community Iceplex, showing the planned two-sheet indoor ice facility.Rendering courtesy: The Forge Community Iceplex

Brower said the project is intended to serve families throughout Central Oregon, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, La Pine, Sunriver and communities beyond.

He said weather and direct sunlight can delay or cancel games on outdoor ice, creating challenges for youth hockey, figure skating and visiting teams.

“Creating this indoor facility is going to solve a lot of troubling problems that our community has had to face and grind through,” Brower said.

According to The Forge, hosting regional and national tournaments could bring as many as 16,000 visitors to Central Oregon each year and generate an estimated $4.4 million in annual visitor spending.

But Brower said the project’s biggest purpose goes beyond tourism.

“Our local athletes are forced with the decision, and their families with the decision, of stay in Bend and give up the performance pursuit of the sport that they love … or leave Bend and have to relocate to another city and state to pursue the sport that they love,” Brower said.

Brower knows that decision firsthand.

He said he moved away in eighth grade to pursue competitive hockey before eventually playing at the collegiate and professional levels. Now, as a coach in Bend, he said he wants future generations of athletes to have opportunities without leaving home.

Graphic showing The Forge’s fundraising progress toward its $40 million capital campaign. Organizers say construction will begin once the remaining funding is secured.Graphic courtesy: The Forge Community Iceplex

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Meeting took place where board decided on reduced service)

ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Alfalfa Fire District Board of Directors voted today to temporarily reduce emergency services for residents and property owners.

Chief resignation, staffing shortage drive decision

This decision comes as the district searches for a new fire chief following the resignation of former Chief Chad LaValle earlier this month and a current shortage of volunteer firefighters.

Reduced response, increased reliance on partners

The temporary reduction means emergency response capabilities will be substantially reduced, leading to delayed service times. This may require partner departments, such as Bend Fire and Rescue, to respond in place of Alfalfa Fire District crews.

Wildfire season heightens concern

The staffing challenges have created a significant hole in the department, leaving only a fraction of its previous firefighter strength. This situation places additional strain on residents during wildfire season and raises concerns regarding insurance implications.

Board explains cause, recruitment efforts

Mark Laucks, an Alfalfa Fire District Board Member, stated that the reduction in services is due to the departure of the district’s fire chief and the current lack of volunteer firefighters. The district is actively seeking to recruit a new chief and additional volunteers.

Laucks clarified the board’s position, saying, “The Fire District Board of Directors wishes to advise residents and property owners of significant temporary reductions in emergency services resulting from the heart of the district’s fire chief and the current shortage of volunteer firefighters. The district is actively recruiting a new chief. However, until qualified personnel are hired and additional volunteers are recruited, emergency response capabilities will be substantially reduced.”

Board outlines chief qualifications

The board discussed the open chief position at today’s meeting, outlining specific qualifications. Laucks detailed the requirements, stating the role needs a “minimum of five years of progressively responsible fire service experience, supervisory and command level experience, Firefighter II certification, Fire Officer II certification, Engine Boss certification, ICS 100, 200, 300 and 400, and current EMT certification or ability to obtain.”

District open to training qualified candidate

While acknowledging the high qualifications for the position, the board seeks a candidate willing to work toward achieving all necessary certifications. Former Chief LaValle took a year to meet the desired qualifications when he assumed the role, and the department intends to follow a similar approach with the next chief.

Residents want accountability, community focus

Residents, who declined to be identified, expressed their hopes for the new chief. They desire a leader who is inclusive, accountable, understands the community’s constraints—such as a lack of hydrants—and values community input. They also want a chief who upholds a high standard of service.

Early interest in chief position

The Alfalfa Fire District Board has already received interest in the open chief position and will continue its search.

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