Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

HOODOO, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hoodoo Ski Area is set to welcome skiers and riders back to the slopes this Thursday, after a mid-winter shutdown caused by a prolonged stretch of warm, dry weather. The reopening comes as a welcome boost for snow enthusiasts and local businesses.

In an update posted to its website, Hoodoo announced that recent snowfall, combined with an encouraging forecast, will allow the resort to resume operations on Thursday, February 19th. The mountain had suspended operations earlier this month due to a lack of adequate snow coverage, part of a broader regional snow drought impacting ski areas across the West.

Hoodoo framed the decision with a bit of trademark humor, saying, “Here at Hoodoo, we have decided to count our chickens before they hatch. With the snow we have received and the snow that has been forecast, we will be able to re-open this Thursday, Feb. 19. The forecast looks great for the next couple weeks with lots of snow in our area. We look forward to seeing you all on the slopes again!” The fresh snow and promising outlook are expected to improve conditions across the mountain, from groomed runs to learning terrain.

With operations resuming, guests can plan for a more traditional mid-winter experience, including lift-served skiing, snowboarding and other snow play, pending daily conditions and terrain openings. Visitors are encouraged to check Hoodoo’s online conditions report and webcams before heading up for the latest on open runs, lift status and any operational updates. For many regulars, the reopening marks a return to winter routines that had been on hold during the recent dry spell.

The restart of operations is also good news for surrounding communities and seasonal workers who rely on winter recreation traffic. Lodging, restaurants and outdoor shops in nearby towns typically see a jump in business when Hoodoo Ski Area is open and conditions are favorable. With the forecast calling for continued snowfall in the coming weeks, local stakeholders are hopeful the late-season rebound will help salvage what has been a challenging winter.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Natural Resources alerted residents Tuesday that winter pile burning was getting underway near the Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West communities, about six miles southwest of Bend.

The county said it will burn piles on up to 24 acres. Ignitions will take place on weekdays when weather, fuel moisture and air quality meet the criteria for safe and effective operations. Crews will avoid burning on weekends and holidays when possible. 

The crews are burning leftover limbs and brush from fuel-reduction work.

“This work helps restore forest health and lower wildfire risk. Burning in the winter helps reduce fuel buildup and protects nearby communities,” the news release stated.

What residents can expect:

Smoke may impact air quality overnight and in the early morning. Residents are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed during those times. 

Smoke may be visible from Century Drive, Bend and the surrounding area. 

Piles may smolder for several days. Crews will monitor them until they are fully out. Please do not call 911 to report these planned ignitions. 

For more information, pleasE contact Deschutes County Natural Resources at forester@deschutes.org. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A night of stories and laughs from three well-known comedians will be one of this year’s early-season gatherings at Bend’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Live Nation announced Tuesday.

Comedian John Mulaney is scheduled to perform on Saturday, May 16, with special guests Fred Armisen and Mike Birbiglia.

Tickets will become available via presale beginning this Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT ahead of the general public on-sale on Friday at 10 a.m. PT at Ticketmaster.com. 

This appearance is part of Mulaney’s current North American stand-up tour, “Mulaney: Mister Whatever.”

Mulaney is a four-time Emmy Award-winning writer, comedian and actor. He currently serves as the host, writer and executive producer of the Netflix talk show “Everybody’s Live with Mulaney,” which is a continuation of his six-night live series “Everybody’s in LA.” The comedian is currently performing across North America on the first leg of his newest stand-up tour, “Mulaney: Mister Whatever.”

Armisen is a comedian, producer and musician who spent 11 seasons as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” He co-wrote and co-starred in the Emmy-nominated series “Portlandia” and recently appeared as Uncle Fester in the Netflix series “Wednesday.” Between 2014 and 2024, Armisen served as the band leader for the 8G Band on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”

Birbiglia is an Emmy-nominated comedian and director who has performed solo shows such as “Sleepwalk with Me,” “The New One” and “The Old Man & The Pool.” These productions enjoyed runs on Broadway and were later released as Netflix comedy specials. Birbiglia also hosts the podcast “Birbiglia’s Working It Out,” where he has interviewed guests including Mulaney and Armisen.

Beyond his stand-up work, Mulaney is scheduled to appear in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film “Madden.” The biographical sports drama is directed by David O. Russell. Mulaney also recently starred in the Broadway play “All In: Comedy About Love” alongside a cast that included Armisen, Richard Kind and Renee Elise Goldsberry.

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Claire Elmer

MT. BACHELOR, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor received four inches of snow overnight, with forecasts predicting an additional t2-4 inches of accumulation throughout the day. Snow showers are expected to continue at the resort through the weekend.

As of Tuesday, the season total for snowfall has reached 117 inches. The mountain currently maintains a base depth of 44 inches. Grooming teams reported light powder across the hill, aided by cold overnight temperatures. While much of the mountain is open, the Northwest territory remains closed. Officials asked guests to respect all closure signage and stick to open terrain.

The new snowfall arrives alongside the resort’s Play Forever Thursday initiative, which offers $99 lift tickets for online purchasers. A portion of the proceeds from this week’s tickets will benefit the Central Oregon Avalanche Center.

The Play Forever initiative has donated more than $83,000 to local organizations since it launched in 2024. The program features a different nonprofit beneficiary each week throughout the winter season. Previous beneficiaries this year included the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, Deschutes River Alliance, Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Following this week’s support for the Central Oregon Avalanche Center, upcoming beneficiaries include CASA of Central Oregon on Feb. 26 and OUT Central Oregon on March 5. The schedule for the remainder of the season includes SheJumps on March 12, Think Wild on March 19 and the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch on March 26.

To access the $99 ticket rate, guests must purchase their lift tickets online in advance. Travelers heading to the resort should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Officials recommend using high-clearance vehicles with 4WD or AWD capabilities, along with snow tires or chains. Drivers are encouraged to check for real-time traffic and weather updates before traveling.

Snow showers are expected to continue through the weekend. The Play Forever Thursday program will continue its weekly benefit schedule through March 26.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Humane Society of Central Oregon’s disaster trailer was stolen Saturday night, Feb. 14, from its facility in Bend. The theft occurred at approximately 8:13 p.m. and has deprived the organization of essential emergency response equipment.

The trailer is a critical resource that allows the society to provide immediate assistance during local disasters. Surveillance cameras captured a white Chevy van scouting the location earlier on the day of the theft while the organization was open for animal adoptions.

Security footage showed the white Chevy van driving out of the parking lot with the trailer attached. Earlier that day, the same vehicle was observed scouting the area several times while the organization was busy conducting animal adoptions at the facility.

At the time of the theft, the trailer was fully stocked with emergency supplies, including bandages and care equipment. The loss of the equipment has left staff concerned about their ability to respond to immediate needs.

Wendy Arnold, the foster program manager for the Humane Society of Central Oregon, said the absence of the trailer creates a significant gap in their operations.

“We definitely feel unprepared. Because it’s something that’s just kind of always been there,” Arnold said. “And so not having it kind of definitely makes a hole in kind of what we like to be able to help with.”

In addition to medical supplies, the trailer contained numerous wire crates used to transport and house animals during disaster response efforts. It also held a table and chairs that allowed staff to set up a mobile response station at a moment’s notice.

Without these items, the organization is unable to deploy the key supplies necessary for animal care in crisis situations.

The City of Bend Police Department is investigating the incident and has labeled it as case #26-8557. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the theft or the current location of the trailer to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Many Central Oregonians spent part of their Presidents Day weekend skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor following recent snowfall.

The four inches of fresh snow recorded over the last two days provided some fresh powder for the holiday weekend visitors. Many residents from across the region traveled to the mountain to utilize the fresh snow during the three-day break.

While the resort received only a trace of new snow overnight leading into Monday, light snow showers persisted throughout the holiday. Visitors faced cold temperatures and windy conditions across the mountain during the final day of the long weekend.

High temperatures did hold below freezing throughout Monday. Mid-mountain temperatures hovered around 25 degrees.

Skiers and boarders also encountered windy conditions, with officials reporting breezy weather, while the 9,065-foot summit registered a maximum gust of 97 mph. But that wasn’t the topper, as the Northwest Lift, at 8,000 feet elevation, recorded a maximum wind of 156 mph, according to the resort’s mountain report.

Some much needed snow on the mountain combined with holiday to create the perfect day to hit the slopes. KTVZ went up to Bachelor and asked skier’s about it.

Heather Heraeuous of Bend was full of energy as she finished up for the day. “We’re loving the snow.” She said, “We need the snow. We’re excited to have it. And we did a rundown, which is actually quite glorious. The bottom here is all fluffy and fresh tracks. ”

Her friend, Martie Mcinney, who was visiting from Los Angeles added “(It’s) so gorgeous. The snow is beautiful. It’s not crowded. Everybody’s nice. It’s gorgeous. “

A larger than average crowd was gathered around the ski lift, and there was a flurry of acvitity and snow at the village.

Right now, Bachelor is on track to stay open till Memorial Day

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance is investing $25,000 in 10 Central Oregon farms this winter through its On-Farm Efficiency Grant program, supporting projects that promote efficient, sustainable practices with lasting environmental and community impact.

Grant recipients will use the grant funding – up to $3,000 to each recipient – for a range of projects designed to extend the growing season, promote environmental stewardship and improve operational efficiencies, the organization said Monday.

“These investments play a critical role in sustaining small farms and bolstering Central Oregon’s food system,” HDFFA said in the news release that continues in full below: 

As Sam Shafer of Amethyst Organics, a 2026 grant recipient shared, “Given Central Oregon’s short growing season and unpredictable weather events, this investment is not just an improvement – it’s a mandatory step to secure economic and climate resilience for our operation.”

Grant programs like OFEG play a critical role in supporting small- and mid-sized farms, which often face narrow profit margins and limited access to traditional financing.

Rising input costs, climate uncertainty, and infrastructure needs can make essential improvements out of reach, even when those investments would significantly increase a farm’s efficiency and resilience.

By offering flexible, producer-informed funding, HDFFA helps remove barriers to investment and meets farmers where they are. 

These grants reflect a shared commitment to supporting Central Oregon’s agricultural community, ensuring that locally grown and produced food remains available to our region for years to come.

HDFFA extends heartfelt congratulations to the 2026 On-Farm Efficiency Grant recipients and sincere gratitude for their leadership in strengthening and nourishing our community. 

Below is a brief overview of the 2026 On-Farm Efficiency Grant–funded projects and the innovative ways local farmers are strengthening sustainability, efficiency, and resilience across Central Oregon.

Amethyst Organics, a new farm in Bend, will build a greenhouse and fertility systems to extend the growing season, increase productivity, reduce water use, and improve soil health.

The Crow’s Croft is upgrading to a large upright freezer, which will improve efficiency, cut food waste and emissions, and ensure consistent, high-quality pork and lard production. 

Fibonacci Farm is upgrading their tomato trellising system and investing in a flame weeder, which will increase production efficiencies and support long-term sustainability of the farm.

Fields Farm is building a propagation greenhouse that will double plant-starting capacity with reclaimed materials, improving germination efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

Juniper Hollow Homestead is improving multi-species rotational grazing systems with fencing and tractor repair, which improves pasture health and livestock welfare practices.

Lost Grace Farm is building a solar-powered outbuilding for year-round hatching, brooding, and plant starting, sustainably extending the farm’s production season.

Over Yonder Farm, a new farm in Sisters, is building hoop houses, extending the growing season, increasing efficiency, supporting climate resilience, and bolstering environmental health.

Red Dog Farm is upgrading wash-pack infrastructure, improving food safety, efficiency, and capacity to meet restaurant and community needs.

Root Down Acres is purchasing a mobile aluminum chicken coop, which provides security for pastured hens, reduces feed loss, protects against disease, and enables rotational grazing.

Sage and Stone Butchery is upgrading their poultry-processing facility with transport crates, ice machines, and a closed-loop wastewater system.

HDFFA’s 2026 On-Farm Efficiency Grant was made possible by the generous support of a local community member. Community contributions are essential to ensure HDFFA can continue providing vital resources to Central Oregon farmers and ranchers through the On-Farm Efficiency Grant in the years ahead. To help support the 2027 OFEG grant cycle, please contact Executive Director Kristin Points at kristin@hdffa.org.

HDFFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. HDFFA’s mission is to support a healthy and thriving food & farm network through education, collaboration, and inclusion. For more info visit hdffa.org. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Initial OSP details; highway cleared)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — An injury crash involving a car and a semi-truck closed U.S. Highway 20 just east of Santiam Pass for about two hours Monday afternoon, and holiday travelers encountered long backups in both directions.

The crash was reported around 12:35 p.m. at milepost 79.5, a mile east of the summit, according to ODOT TripCheck. ODOT advised drivers that the road was closed due to the crash and advised them to use an alternate route.

Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy told KTVZ News the initial report was that “a passenger vehicle possibly lost control and struck a commercial motor vehicle (truck).”

At least one person was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend, Kennedy said Kennedy expected to have more information after the on-scene investigation concludes.

Injury crash just east of Santiam Pass Monday afternoon brought closure, long holiday traffic backups in both directions.

Unconfirmed first-responder reports from the scene indicated the highway’s westbound lane was going to reopen about an hour later and that a Life Flight helicopter on stand by was no longer needed.

A long traffic backup in both directions could be seen until around 2:40 p.m. on the highway’s TripCheck cameras, as many Presidents Day motorists traveled between Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley.

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Kelsey Merison

MEDFORD, Ore. (KTVZ) — Medford City Councilor and U.S. Navy veteran Kevin Stine filed for the Democratic nomination for Oregon State Senate District 3 on Monday. Stine’s campaign centers on steady leadership, educational improvement and long-term economic opportunity for the Rogue Valley.

Stine has served on the Medford City Council for 11 years and spent 16 years in the Navy, including both active duty and reserve service. He is running to represent a district he says needs leadership that understands local challenges. “Southern Oregon deserves representation that listens first and acts responsibly,” Stine said. “We can make progress on affordability, education and overall livability when we focus on cooperation and outcomes.”

Improving statewide education outcomes and protecting regional institutions are central to Stine’s platform. Stine is a Southern Oregon University graduate and has seven years of experience working in education. He called for collaboration between lawmakers, educators, administrators and school board members to strengthen the system. “Southern Oregon University is one of our community’s greatest assets,” Stine said. “It should continue to educate local students while attracting talent and innovation into our region.”

The campaign also identifies housing availability and cost pressures as urgent issues for Rogue Valley workers. Stine noted that high costs are preventing many residents from achieving financial security. “Young Oregonians are being forced to wait longer than ever to buy their first home, making it harder to put down roots, build stability and plan for the future,” Stine said.

Stine’s military background includes nine years on active duty and seven years in the reserves. He described his leadership style as community-focused and bipartisan. “My approach has always been to work with people across the political spectrum and find solutions that improve everyday life,” Stine said. “That’s the mindset I’ll bring to Salem.”

Several local leaders in Southern Oregon have expressed support for Stine’s candidacy. His early backers include Phoenix Mayor Al Muelhoefer and former Medford Mayors Al Densmore and Lindsay Berryman. The campaign is also supported by Ashland City Councilor Dylan Bloom and Medford School Board members Angela Zbikowski and Sandra LaNier McHenry. Additionally, Phoenix-Talent School Board member Michael Campbell and former board members Karen Starchvick and Michelle Atkinson have joined the list of endorsements.

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Tracee Tuesday

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon taxpayers can get free help filing their federal and state income tax returns at WorkSource Oregon centers across the state this February and March.​

WorkSource Oregon and the Oregon Department of Revenue are partnering to provide in-person assistance at six locations.

The first event is Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the WorkSource center in Woodburn. Additional events will take place in Hillsboro, Eugene, Southeast Portland, Lebanon and Bend, with each event running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bend event is on March 25 at the WorkSource Oregon – Bend center on SW Emkay Drive. Volunteers from the Department of Revenue will be available to help guide taxpayers through the online filing process using free public-access computers and Wi-Fi.​

Officials say the goal is to make tax season easier for Oregonians and help them claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Oregon Kids Credit.

To prepare, taxpayers are encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account and bring key documents, including W-2s, 1099 forms and last year’s tax return.

More information, including the full schedule and locations, is available at worksourceoregon.org or on the Department of Revenue website at oregon.gov/dor.

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