Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A road and bridge project will be slowing traffic for the next few weeks on Oregon Highway 126 just east of Powell Butte, ODOT said Thursday,

Crews will be replacing guardrail and widening the Central Oregon Irrigation District Canal Bridge at milepost 10 “to make traveling on OR 126 safer for everyone,” the department said. 

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 by portable traffic signals installed at either end of the bridge.

Crews plan to start the work next Monday, and ODOT said drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes in both directions for about four weeks.

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change, the agency said, urging motorists to check TripCheck for updated information.

This work is happening toward the end of a two-year, $13.8 million project that’s also included repaving of Highway 126 between Redmond and the Powell Butte Highway, as well as other improvements in Redmond.

Visit ODOT’s project website for more information or contact Meghan Blyth, community affairs coordinator.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Commissioner Phil Chang reacts to Rob Imhoff proposal)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County commission candidate’s suggestion that the county buy or partner to arrange a local purchase of the Mt. Bachelor ski resort is a “poorly thought-out concept,” current Commissioner Phil Chang told KTVZ News on Thursday.

“I like the idea of local ownership,” said Chang, who is serving as commission chairman this year and is not up for re-election.

But he went on to say: “I just don’t think the county is any position to play a role in assembling a deal or partnership,” as Rob Imhoff proposed this week. (See our earlier story below.)

“Our debt financing capacity is sucked up in our courthouse expansion, and if we had more we have some really exciting opportunities to develop new attractions at the Fair and Expo (Center),” Chang told us after we reached out to the board and resort for a comment.

“We also have a need to finance an overhaul of the jail from an indirect to a direct supervision structure,” he said.

“And while I love Mt Bachelor, that doesn’t mean that it is not a risky business investment,” Chang said, “and I think the taxpayers signed up for cost-effective key public services, not government gambling on enterprises.”

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 11) — Eighteen months after POWDR Corp. put Mt. Bachelor up for sale — and 10 months after the company decided to keep it – the idea of local ownership has arisen again, this time amid a political campaign. A Deschutes County commissioner candidate says the county should make it happen.

The new proposal came this week from Bend business owner Rob Imhoff, one of three candidates for Position 5 on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. It’s one of two new seats on the expanded five-member board previously approved by voters. (The filing deadline for the May 19 primary is March 10th.)

The leader of a local group that sought in vain just such a return to local control told KTVZ News Wednesday that they are glad to hear of the new proposal and offered to help in any way they can. Chris Porter also noted how a Colorado town is in the process of just such a purchase of their nearby ski resort from POWDR.

Imhoff says the county should step up to “pursue strategic acquisition and/or partnership options” to bring the resort under “community stewardship.”

After POWDR announced in August 2024 it was putting Mt. Bachelor on the market, a community group formed in an attempt to acquire the resort, but said it was unable to submit a bid “due to timing constraints.”

Porter, president and CEO of Mt. Bachelor Community Inc., the group that tried to launch a local bid for Mt. Bachelor, told us they have not heard from Imhoff so far.

But he told KTVZ News, “I applaud them for taking the initiative. It is really nice to see someone else picking up the ball.”

Porter also told us they have acquired a “wealth of knowledge” over the past 18 months that they’d be happy to share with Imhoff or others who would like to help return the resort to local ownership, as it began. Porter said it would be great for a public-private partnership to emerge, in order to make it happen.

Porter pointed to a similar effort in Colorado, where the town of Nederland signed a letter of intent last year to buy the Eldora Mountain Resort from POWDR.

Just last week, The Colorado Sun reported that Nederland’s Board of Trustees had signed a letter of intent to buy the resort for $120 million. The board last month also unanimously approved issuing up to $225 million in bonds to pay for the resort’s acquisition and improvements.

A group of resort industry insiders and investors are no longer part of that complex deal, which includes bond sales and securing a Forest Service permit.

KTVZ News also has reached out to POWDR and county commissioners for any reaction or statement about the revived idea. We will update this story as warranted.

Here’s Imhoff’s news release, in full:

Rob Imhoff Calls for Deschutes County to Bring Mount Bachelor Home: Proposes Local Ownership to Deliver Affordable Access and “Protect Our Playground” 

Bend, Oregon – Rob Imhoff, candidate for Deschutes County Commissioner, today unveiled a bold vision to return Mount Bachelor – Central Oregon’s iconic playground – to local control. As the current corporate owner, POWDR Corp., has decided to retain the resort indefinitely after briefly listing it for sale in 2024-2025, Imhoff proposes that Deschutes County pursue strategic acquisition and/or partnership options to shift the mountain from profit-driven corporate management to community stewardship under county control. 

“Mount Bachelor isn’t just a ski resort – it’s our playground, our family traditions, our winter economy, and the heart of what makes Central Oregon special,” said Imhoff, a longtime Deschutes County resident, small business owner, and community coach. “Under corporate ownership, we’ve seen rising pass prices, mega-pass dominance, long lines, and decisions that prioritize shareholders over locals. It’s time to bring it home: make it affordable for Central Oregon families, reinvest in our community, and protect it for generations to come.” 

Imhoff’s proposal draws inspiration from successful community-owned models nationwide, including: 

Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho) – The largest nonprofit recreation area in the U.S., reinvesting all profits locally for affordability and youth programs. 

Bridger Bowl (Bozeman, Montana) – Community nonprofit emphasizing reasonable costs and reinvestment into the mountain. 

Mad River Glen (Vermont) – Skier-owned cooperative preserving authentic skiing and offering shareholder perks. 

Mount Ashland (Ashland, Oregon) – Nonprofit saved through community efforts, treating the mountain like a public park with affordable access. 

Eaglecrest Ski Area (Juneau, Alaska) – Municipally owned, subsidizing tickets and supporting resident recreation. 

These examples prove that local county ownership delivers lower resident prices (e.g., deeply discounted “Locals Passes”), reinvests revenues into improvements, youth initiatives, and environmental care (like wildfire prevention), protects against overcrowding and corporate changes, and ensures long-term stability without heavy tax burdens – through bonds, grants, donations, and revenue-sharing. 

“This isn’t about disrupting operations – it’s about enhancing them with a focus on our community,” Imhoff added. “As commissioner, I’ll champion this dialogue, build coalitions, and fight for what’s best for Deschutes County families, not distant shareholders.” 

Imhoff invites residents to join the conversation at upcoming town halls and via robimhoff.com. For more on his platform – including regaining local control, building more housing, delivering real help for homelessness, and responsible land & water stewardship – visit robimhoff.com. 

About Rob Imhoff 

Rob Imhoff is a 20+ year Deschutes County resident, small business owner in the housing and construction sector, devoted family man, youth sports coach, and dedicated community volunteer. Running for County Commissioner, Rob is committed to putting Central Oregon first by fighting for local control over our decisions, making housing more affordable and attainable, providing compassionate and effective solutions to homelessness, and protecting our land, water, and way of life from outside overreach. With a proven track record of building businesses, coaching teams to success, and listening to neighbors, Rob brings practical, common-sense leadership to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Learn more and join the movement at robimhoff.com. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of supporting the regional business community. The organization plans to commemorate the milestone with a year-long campaign and a Centennial Celebration Gala on May 21.

Founded in 1926, the chamber has grown into the second largest business advocacy organization in Oregon with nearly 1,650 members. The upcoming centennial marks 100 years since the organization unanimously voted to change its name from the Bend Commercial Club to the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The organization was originally founded in 1926 as the Bend Commercial Club. The name was changed to the Bend Chamber of Commerce following a unanimous vote during a weekly forum luncheon on Wednesday, May 26, 1926. The directors referred the name change to the forum, which marked the official transition of the commercial club to the chamber.

Sara Odendahl, current CEO of the Bend Chamber, noted the organization has worked to support entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional economy for a century.

“For 100 years, the Bend Chamber has been a steady force for business—supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening our local economy and helping shape the community Bend has become today,” Odendahl said. She added that the chamber is honoring past leaders while preparing for a future that requires bold collaboration and innovative solutions.

The Centennial Celebration Gala is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the High Desert Museum. The event will include live music, catered food and beverages. In addition to the gala, the chamber plans to partner with Deschutes Brewery to create a commemorative collaboration beer and will share historical stories throughout the anniversary year.

The chamber has grown to include nearly 1,650 business members across the state. It currently ranks as the second-largest chamber in Oregon, trailing only the Portland Metro Chamber, which has about 2,400 members. The strong membership allows the organization to advocate for businesses at local, county, state and federal levels.

Gary North, the Bend Chamber’s board chair, said the organization serves as a central resource for both new and established businesses to collaborate on shared challenges.

“The Chamber provides one-stop shopping for new and existing businesses to have access to both the services the Chamber provides as well as a place to meet local business leaders to collaborate on mutual challenges,” North said. He noted that members and staff have been invaluable in helping businesses navigate changing economic and policy environments.

In recent years, the chamber has focused on addressing workforce housing and child care affordability. The organization also led the creation of a bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus and the Regional Business Alliance. Its community investment arm, the BendNEXT Foundation, manages leadership programs and talent development initiatives to strengthen the local workforce.

The chamber also launched a new website and specialized brandmark featuring a “100 Years” banner to coincide with the anniversary. Lisa Nielsen, marketing lead for the Bend Chamber, said the site was developed by chamber member fare*well to provide easier navigation and resource access. “Our new website is designed to better support our members and the business community—making it easier to access resources, stay informed and engage with the Chamber,” Nielsen said.

The year-long Centennial campaign will continue through 2026. The chamber will announce further details regarding special membership promotions and commemorative activities as the anniversary year approaches.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

OREGON CITY, Ore. (KTVZ) – Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore. announced Wednesday the nomination of 23 students in Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District to the elite United States Service Academies, including six Deschutes County nominees.

Four retired veterans representing Naval, West Point, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies made up Bynum’s Service Academy Board. The board evaluated the applicants based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character. 

“I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to the United States Service Academies,” Bynum said in a news release. “Their commitment to service, academic achievement, and civil engagement is exactly what the Academies are all about.

“I’d also like to thank the Service Academy Board for investing their time, energy, and expertise into the nomination process. The nominees represent the very best of Oregon, and I am confident that they will make our district proud.”

The 2025 Service Academy Nominees are as follows:

Clackamas County: 

·         Cole Solari – Air Force Academy

·         Thomson Burch – Air Force Academy

·         Ryder Gray – Naval Academy

·         Wyatt Sturgeon – Air Force Academy

·         Logan Koelbel – Naval Academy

·         Derek Griffin – Air Force Academy

·         Claire Yates – Military Academy and Air Force Academy

·         Vivian Vogt – Naval Academy

·         Kruz Mogel – Air Force Academy

·         Kathryn Shurko – Merchant Marine Academy

·         Beckett Godfrey – Military Academy and Naval Academy

·         Matthew Wang – Air Force Academy and Naval Academy

·         Reese Wenker – Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy

Deschutes County: 

·         Harrison Jennrich – Naval Academy

·         Keira Schroeder – Military Academy

·         Naomi Bennette – Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

·         West Abrams – Military Academy

·         Clara Rodrigues – Air Force Academy

·         Walter Petkun – Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Military Academy

Multnomah County:

·         Liam Flenniken – Air Force Academy

·         Sawyer Best – Merchant Marine Academy

·         Phoebe Fisher – Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Military Academy

Marion County:

·         Ester Gorelik – Air Force Academy, Military Academy, and Naval Academy

You can read more about the Congressional Service Academy Nominations here and below.

The honor of attending a Service Academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Senator Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville announced Wednesday the 2026 session priorities for the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus.

The bipartisan group said it will focus on economic development, housing and emergency preparedness to support the region’s growth and safety.

The caucus is a bipartisan and bicameral group designed to facilitate collaborative policy-making for Central Oregonians. The group consists of representatives from various districts in the region, including Bend and Prineville, who work together to address infrastructure and community service needs.

Economic development efforts for the region include the pursuit of House Bill 4084. The measure is designed to retain and grow Oregon businesses while supporting job creation. The caucus also identified recreational waiver reform as a priority to maintain regional competitiveness.

In the area of housing and community services, the caucus is advocating for House Bill 4035. This bill would allow one-time urban growth boundary expansions to increase housing production.

The group is also seeking investment in shelter funding to assist people transitioning from homelessness into stable housing, and is requesting funding for the OSU-Cascades Student Health and Recreation Center.

Emergency preparedness and natural resources priorities involve two specific legislative measures. House Bill 4156 seeks to provide reliable funding for rural emergency response. Additionally, House Bill 4144 aims to reduce fire risks caused by batteries.

Infrastructure investments are also planned to support road safety on rural roadways in Central Oregon.

Broadman, who serves as a co-chair for the bipartisan group, described the 2026 priorities as a continuation of previous regional efforts.

“These caucus priorities reflect our focus on continuing the collaborative work toward building the safe and prosperous region Central Oregonians deserve,” Broadman said.

Rep. Breese-Iverson, co-chair of the caucus, emphasized the need for practical tools to support local families and small businesses.

“Our communities, families and small businesses in Central Oregon need real tools to keep up-affordable housing, stronger emergency response, safer roads and policies that help our local economy thrive without unnecessary burdens,” Breese-Iverson said. “I’m proud to be part of our bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus, to advance these practical priorities that put Central Oregonians first and deliver results for our region.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, results of survey)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School Board took the first step this week toward potentially appointing Interim Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff to a permanent position. The move follows a public survey that showed 96.5% of respondents support making the appointment permanent.

More than 400 community members participated in the three-week survey conducted in January, representing a 60% increase in participation compared to the district’s previous public survey on a separate topic. The respondent group was nearly balanced, including 38% of input coming from parents or family members, 35% from staff, and 25% from community residents.

The survey results, presented during the Crook County School Board meeting on Monday, showed an average comfort level of 9.4 out of 10 for Hoff leading the district long-term. Many respondents described the interim superintendent as “visible, relational, and student-centered” while praising his active presence within both the schools and the local community.

While much of the feedback was positive, the survey also highlighted specific areas for potential growth. Respondents noted a need for a clearer long-term vision, more consistent accountability, and stronger district-wide systems.

During the Monday night meeting, board members commended Hoff for his work during his interim tenure. The board indicated interest in gaining more clarity on the specific improvements suggested in the survey through a series of upcoming listening sessions.

A series of public listening sessions begin this week for students, staff, Spanish-speaking families, and more. Dr. Hoff will not be in attendance for these conversations to allow the board to gather additional, honest input before making a final decision. The schedule and locations for these sessions are available on the district website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Clarifying that construction crews will not have to close down the intersection again)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than a year after the city of Bend began an improvement project on a key east-west thoroughfare – work that was beset by several unexpected delays – the final closed stretch of Olney Avenue between Wall Street and First Street reopened to drivers on Wednesday morning.

KTVZ spoke to businesses along Olney, who say the extended closure made it harder for customers to reach them. Dr. Sarah Cummings, medical director at Riverside Animal Hospital, said some clients told her they stopped coming because getting to the clinic had become too difficult.

Dr. Cummings said, “The impact on our clients when that road was closed was huge, because everyone’s trying to find another way to get to us.” Adding, “I do think that it did impact our business this past year. We had more than one client tell us, ‘it’s just too hard to get to you guys right now.'”

The $12 million Olney Avenue Improvements Project that began in early February of last year originally was expected to be finished last fall.

It replaced aging (from the 1950s) water and sewer infrastructure, which the city said was a key step to help keep up with the demand on those systems.

“At the same time, this project made Olney Avenue safer to drive, walk, bike and roll,” the city announcement said, continuing: “The city recognizes that delays impacted travel for many community members and appreciate the patience and understanding shown throughout the project.”

One key step was last May’s reopening of the Olney Avenue-Wall Street intersection, but the street remained closed to the east.

The city explained that the road project was hit by several delays “due to the complexity of coordinating construction with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railways around active rail operations.”

“The city is grateful for its collaboration with BNSF as we worked through some complex issues at the railroad crossing,” the city added.

City Engineering Director Ryan Oster said, “We want to thank our community for their patience and understanding throughout the Olney Avenue project. This project not only provided needed upgrades to our aging water and sewer system, it made it safer for all users of the roadway.”

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to BNSF for their strong partnership and collaboration in bringing this project across the finish line,” Oster added.

City officials also had one added piece of good news to share on Wednesday: Due to the recent unusually warm winter weather, crews were able to get permanent asphalt on all of Olney Avenue in place. They said that means they won’t have to return to the job site in the spring, as previously planned, to finish paving and striping the road.

The Olney Avenue Improvements Project is part of the voter approved 2020 Transportation Go Bond. Olney Avenue connects to schools, parks, trails, businesses and more. These are places that kids, parents, commuters and others in the City traveling east to west need to reach.

You can learn more about the project at bendoregon.gov/olney.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation Tuesday to prevent President Donald Trump from receiving financial benefits from a $10 billion lawsuit against the federal government. The ‘Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act’ targets any settlement resulting from the president’s legal action against the IRS and Treasury Department.

In an interview with NBC News Anchor Tom Llamas, the President addressed the controversy saying, “You can’t leak documents. And any money that I win, I’ll give it to charity, 100% to charities, charities that will be approved by government or whatever. I have another lawsuit with the United States. I sued because they broke into Mar-a-Lago.”

The bill follows a lawsuit President Trump filed late last month regarding the leak of his tax returns by an outside contractor several years ago. The proposed legislation would impose a 100% tax on any settlement a president, vice president, cabinet member or member of Congress receives from the government as a result of a lawsuit filed while in office.

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden criticized the president’s lawsuit as a significant conflict of interest. Sen. Wyden described the legal action as an attempt to divert taxpayer funds for personal gain.

“Saying that Trump’s lawsuit against his own government creates a conflict of interest does not begin to describe the depth of corruption behind what he’s doing,” Sen. Wyden said. “At a time when so many American families are struggling to get by, it’s a shameful abuse of office for Trump to put himself in line to pocket billions of taxpayer dollars.”

Wyden also questioned President Trump’s public statements regarding the potential donation of settlement funds. He expressed skepticism about whether the president would follow through on such a commitment.

“The only reason Trump is talking about donating this money is because even he realizes what he’s doing is indefensible with the public and given that he’s a lifelong cheat and conman, there’s no reason to trust he’d even follow through with the donation anyway,” Sen. Wyden said.

Democratic Leader Schumer joined Wyden in sponsoring the measure and accused President Trump of prioritizing personal wealth over the needs of American families. Senator Schumer pledged that Senate Democrats would work to block the potential payout.

“Trump’s greed knows no bounds,” Sen. Schumer said. “As American families struggle to make ends meet or put food on the table, Trump tries to enrich himself at the expense of American taxpayers.”

Schumer further characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to extract billions of dollars from the public.

“Suing your own government to extract billions from taxpayers is corruption, plain and simple,” Sen. Schumer said. “Senate Democrats will fight to stop Trump from turning the presidency into a personal piggy bank.”

The proposal is also cosponsored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan and Senator Peter Welch. The legislative text was made available following the formal introduction of the bill on Tuesday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a sold-out debut last year, the Bend Comedy Festival is returning Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6, with three days of live stand-up, improv, sketch, and late-night performances at venues across the city.

Organizers said the 2025 inaugural event exceeded expectations, selling out more than 20 shows and drawing packed crowds to venues big and small. Building on that momentum, this year’s festival promises an expanded lineup, larger spaces, and more chances for audiences to experience comedy from around the country.

The 2026 festival will feature nationally touring headliners along with rising comedians and Pacific Northwest favorites. Acts include Geoffrey Asmus of “Just For Laughs” and Kevin Hart’s “LOL Network,” Fahim Anwar from “Conan” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the UCB longform improv show ASSSSCAT, and a Don’t Tell Comedy All-Star Show featuring popular YouTube performers. Additional acts will be announced in the coming months.

Venues include Tower Theatre, Volcanic Theatre Pub, The Capitol, and others throughout Bend. Festival passes offer access to all events, exclusive perks, and invitations to late-night shows.

Produced by the Bend Comedy & Arts Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit, the festival is led by a queer and women-led team dedicated to building community through comedy.

Early bird festival passes are on sale now in limited quantities at bendcomedyfestival.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Oregon Department of Transportation says the large “Lower Bridge Way” project in Terrebonne is moving forward on schedule, despite getting a late start.

ODOT officials say the project is expected to be completed by October. When finished, it will create a new interchange where U.S. Highway 97 will pass over Lower Bridge Way.

The upgrades will also include improvements for pedestrian safety, giving people a safer way to cross through the busy area.

Kacey Davey, Public Information Officer for ODOT, said the project will make travel around one of Central Oregon’s most popular destinations much safer and more efficient.

“A lot of people travel to Smith Rock and they go through Terrebonne, so. And it’s hard to make that left turn when you’re leaving Smith Rock to get back onto US 97. So this project is going to be great because people can just go right up to the interchange and use that to head south safely without ever having to cross traffic,” Davey said.

People could be driving on part of the newly created overpass as early as April, according to ODOT.

However, officials warn that there will be several closures and detours in the area as construction continues.

For the latest updates and traffic impacts, ODOT encourages drivers to check the project’s official website for details and live updates.

Click here to follow the original article.