Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises and the Warm Springs Housing Authority have been awarded a $1 million state grant to bring high-performance solar and battery energy storage systems to three locations on the Warm Springs Reservation.

The grant was awarded by the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Renewable Energy Program, the Tribes said in a news release Friday, pointing to their goal of “advancing the Tribes’ priorities of energy sovereignty, equity, affordability, and resilience.” 

Cathy Ehli, general manager of Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises, said, “This project is an excellent example of how solar and other energy solutions can make a real impact on both individual community members in their homes and community spaces by lowering energy bills and providing consistent power during outages and other emergencies.”

As proposed in the project plan, the solar and battery system installation sites are:  

Park Place Court Permanent Supportive Housing, which includes 10 “tiny homes” and an essential community services center for previously unhoused Tribal members; 

24 single-family homes requiring low-income verification in the West Hills Affordable Housing neighborhood; and 

Greeley Heights Community Center, which serves as an accessible gathering space for the Tribe’s low-income community.

These locations, owned and operated by Warm Springs Housing Authority, currently provide affordable housing and community spaces to low-income Tribal members.

They have all been evaluated by Energy Trust of Oregon, and many of the homes have already been upgraded with efficiency improvements, including weatherization, lighting upgrades and heat pump installations.

The project aims to maximize those improvements by adding solar and battery systems, which the Tribes said will lower energy costs, strengthen resilience to mitigate the impacts of wildfires and extreme weather, and unlock opportunities for WSHA to expand future energy projects. 

“We’re excited to partner with WSPWE on improving the lives of our community members, said Danielle Wood, executive director of the Warm Springs Housing Authority. “This project will lower bills and make sure there is reliable power year-round in their homes and important community spaces,”

More information about the CREP award can be found at the ODOE website.

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The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon is a federally-recognized, sovereign Indian tribe, representing the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute peoples. The Tribes occupy the Warm Springs Reservation, which stretches from the summits of the Cascade Mountains to the cliffs of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. The Reservation is reserved for the Tribes’ exclusive benefit by an 1855 Treaty with the United States, which reserved to the Tribes the right to fish, hunt, gather foods and pasture livestock in the ceded lands and at usual and accustomed stations.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In the wake of Turning Point USA‘s founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination last September, Turning Point and Club America chapters have grown rapidly across the United States.

Old chapters are being revived, and new ones are sprouting up. That includes a Club America chapter in Deschutes County. The high school club arm of the organization.

On Friday, the group had a meet-and-greet with student leaders of the club to talk about the organization.

Jaxon Middleton, a high school sophomore and founder of the chapter, told KTVZ News, “After the whole Charlie Kirk incident and people were just asking us if we were going to do it, and then we were like, ‘Yeah, we’re definitely going to do it.’”

Emilyn, a member of the organization, told us, “There’s a lot of people who do want to get involved with something like this. And so I think that having these resources would really help a lot of them.”

With Deschutes County’s continued growth, it has become a more “purple” area politically.

Many were curious why Turning Point started a Club America chapter here.

Jaxon’s mom, Jamie Middleton, said, “Being a purple county, it’s important that the conservative voices stand up, speak out, because often we are given a chance to. and these youth need to know it’s okay to stand up for what they believe. We know the aversion to it will come, and that just helps build character.“

Friday’s meeting was just the second event the club’s had since its founding, but it has goals to not only expand, but also to have speaker events in the future.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Eddie Bauer Outlet at Bend Factory Stores will close amid several news and industry reports that the outdoor apparel retailer plans to close all of its North American stores after a planned Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

An employee of the Bend store on South Highway 97, who asked not to be named, confirmed Friday to KTVZ News that workers learned on Thursday that the store will close by April 30.

Women’s Wear Daily reported late last month, quoting sources, that Catalyst Brands, which owns the rights to operate the stores, will leave the brick-and-mortar business and close its approximately 180 North American stores. It reported that the Chapter 11 filing could happen this month.

Business Insider reported Friday that several parties are expected to bid for the rights to operate some or all of the stores, possibly keeping its U.S. stores open or bringing the Eddie Bauer brand under another retailer.

Eddie Bauer’s namesake opened his first store in Seattle over a century ago, in 1920 and later designed the first patented down jacket. The company previously twice filed for bankruptcy, in 2003 and 2009.

Some Eddie Bauer stores already have posted signs announcing their closure, with no date given, including one at a Reno, Nevada mall.

The closure is not expected to affect the brand’s manufacturing or e-commerce operations or stores operating outside the U.S. or Canada.

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Oregon Capital Chronicle

By Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill to ban resellers or people affiliated with resellers from offering event tickets they don’t actually have, unless they have a written contract to obtain the ticket from an initial sale. 

House Bill 4024, which has bipartisan support, comes as states including Maryland, Minnesota and Maine in recent years passed restrictions on speculative tickets while many other states have introduced legislation to prohibit the practice. 

Bill sponsor Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, told lawmakers on the House Commerce and Consumer Protection committee this week that she’s heard countless stories of Oregonians unknowingly buying fake tickets. 

“Someone in my district paid $3,000 for two tickets to see Willie Nelson at the Britt,” she said, referring to a hillside venue in Jacksonville. “They turned out to be speculative. Up north, a Portland resident spent $446 for tickets purchased through a reseller to see a live performance of ‘Wicked.’ When she arrived at Keller Auditorium, people with the real tickets were already in those seats.”

Several arts and culture venue managers testified in favor of the bill, telling lawmakers that within hours of announcing an event, there are usually online listings for tickets that haven’t yet been made available, and online platforms often use language suggesting ticket scarcity and listing them at prices much higher than the actual price. 

“This deceptive practice happens for every single show we announce at the venue,” said Marney Smith, an owner and general manager of Hayden Homes Amphitheater, a popular Bend venue. 

The bill advanced on a 7-3 committee vote Thursday and is headed to the full Oregon House for a vote.

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Tyson Beauchemin

Madras, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras Fairgrounds hosted the 46th Annual Farm Fair today. The event brings together agricultural professionals for a trade show and information exchange.

Sponsored by the Jefferson County Seed Growers Association, the event focused on connecting members of the agricultural community, and sharing what works as them

The fair serves as a platform for growers to explore the latest agricultural supplies and technology while sharing their knowledge with each other.

The event’s main draw was a series of lectures covering issues faced by farmers and ranchers. The topics included using drones for farming and ranching operations. Other presentations focused on soil science and the application of pesticides.

Water availability remained the primary concern for the agricultural community throughout the event. Steve Culman, director of the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, spoke about the issue saying: “We’re facing unprecedented times right now with water, uncertainty and availability with, challenges with with market prices,”

Culman added, “It’s a challenge, a very challenging time to be a grower. And it’s, this is it’s more important now than ever to get, together and share experiences and try to figure out the best path forward.”

The Oregon State University Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center will host a presentation on crop management during times of water uncertainty next Thursday.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite community rumors that the Central Oregon Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) might close, the organization’s CEO, Bob Mickelsen, confirmed to KTVZ News that the chapter is staying open and busier than ever.

In fact, a special Valentine’s Day Bed Build is on the calendar for Saturday, February 14, bringing together volunteers from the Sisters Rotary Club and the Sisters Kiwanis Club. The groups plan to construct 35 beds for local children in need, each one complete with a homemade quilt.

“This is truly a community effort,” said Hal Darcey, Bed Build Project Chair for Sisters Rotary. “Rotary and Kiwanis are joining together to make sure every kid in our community has a bed of their own.”

Darcey added that the project offers something beyond the practical: “Volunteering with SHP provides the opportunity to meet wonderful people in your community. Rubbing shoulders with complete strangers while building a bed for a child in need can turn into lifelong friendships — all focused on one goal: helping children sleep in heavenly peace.”

Up to 50 volunteers are expected to gather at the Earthwood Development site at 148 Sisters Park Drive, which was donated for the day. Lumber and building supplies are being provided by Hoyt’s Hardware and Building Supply in Sisters at a discounted rate.

Kiwanian Jeff Taylor said his group is proud to partner with Rotary for the project: “Our community is better when we all work together. As Sleep in Heavenly Peace says, ‘No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!’”

Adding a creative touch to the build, members of both clubs are coordinating a “quilt per bed” initiative led by Sisters Rotarian and local quilter Julie Fugate.

“So far, almost 20 quilts have been donated from quilters across Central Oregon,” Fugate said. “They’re all twin size — about 68 by 82 inches — and include everything from modern designs to traditional favorites.”

Those interested in donating a quilt or learning more can contact Fugate at FinishFairyQuilting@gmail.com.

The Rotary Club of Sisters, a nonprofit of 37 community leaders, continues its long tradition of service through local and international Rotary initiatives. And Sleep in Heavenly Peace remains committed to its mission: reminding everyone that a bed is a basic need — and that every child deserves one.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Redmond said Friday it will begin wildfire mitigation work in Dry Canyon Park next week, calling it a proactive effort aimed at reducing wildfire risks and protecting area homes, natural resources and recreational areas.

The project is funded by a $750,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Forestry. City Parks Division staff and city arborists will collaborate with the Heart of Oregon Corps to complete this winter’s work, which primarily focuses on the area north of Maple Bridge, up to the Water Pollution Control Facility.

Crews will focus on vegetation management throughout the park. The teams plan to limb and thin trees while removing deadfall from the designated area.

“This work is part of the city’s broader effort to manage natural resources within recreational spaces,” the city said in its news release.

Maria Ramirez, natural resources program manager for the city, emphasized the importance of the external funding and labor support for the project.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Heart of Oregon Corps as part of a recently awarded $750,000 Oregon Department of Forestry grant,” Ramirez said.

The project includes mowing 65-foot-wide fire breaks from the gravel path off NW 19th Street south to the Weigand Family Dog Park. These specific breaks have been maintained since 2000 and are designed to slow or stop the progression of wildfires in the canyon.

Officials scheduled the mitigation work for the winter months to address environmental concerns. Performing the work during this season helps prevent the spread of invasive cheat grass during its spring germination period.

All work zones will be clearly marked as closed to the public during the project, city officials said. They asked that park users stay clear of these areas for safety while crews and equipment are operating.

The work is expected to take about a week, weather permitting. Residents can find updates and further information on the city website at www.redmondoregon.gov or by calling 541-504-2000.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new Central Oregon sober living home for women is preparing for its first residents.

Since 2020, New Each Morning has acted as a support group for women trying to break the cycle of addiction. While it offered peer support, there was one thing the women needed more than anything else: housing.

Now, it’s acquired a 3-bedroom ranch house, where women leaving treatment will be able to stay for up to a year. It’s called The Juniper House. 

New Each Morning says a sense of community is key to recovery.

“There’s a great quote by Johann Hari that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it’s connection. And that is so true because we are going to be providing that connection,” said Cathie Coe Sipe, the founding director of New Each Morning. “They are going to know someone is in their corner and that they are going to have a safe place here in this beautiful home and on this property.”

The house offers a safe, secure place to start a new chapter in life.

New Each Morning will begin accepting applications this month. The first residents could move into the The Juniper House sometime in March.

Click here to learn more about The Juniper House.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships.

This month we’re spotlighting Every Child Central Oregon, which works to provide tangible items to anyone with an active child welfare case.

“2025 was a busy year for us like so many. Unfortunately, we saw an increase in the number of kids entering foster care in 2025. Thus increase in needs,” said Melissa Lovemark, the executive director at Every Child Central Oregon.

About 690 families receive assistance per year from the nonprofit—but in 2025, that number jumped to nearly 750.

“If you have the ability to give, now is a great time to do it because I don’t see this trend going in a different direction at this moment,” Melissa said. “And we need to pour more in, here, right now.”

Every Child Central Oregon aims to provide essential items to those navigating the foster care system. 

“Clothes, car seats, diapers. We do toys, birthday presents,” Melissa said. “We consider engagement (and) activities basic needs for children.”

The organization has a fundraiser coming up in May. 

“Every year, we do our foster appreciation event. And it is a huge carnival that we put on free for hundreds of families and kids,” Melissa said. “We are always looking for sponsors for that event, for volunteers. It takes about 300 people to put it on. We have bounce houses, food, carnival games. It is one of our favorite days.”

And there are plenty of other ways to help out. 

“I know that times are hard right now for so many people,” Melissa said. “What we have to remember is, kids coming into foster care aren’t making that choice. They didn’t choose to be in foster care. They are our most at-risk youth and we want to continue to bring more resources to them in this hard time.”

Click here to learn more about Every Child Central Oregon.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Several arriving and departing flights have been diverted or cancelled on Thursday.

According to several airlines , at the time of publication, as many as 24 flights as early as around 10 A.M. have been diverted or cancelled.

According to Redmond Airport officials, flights have been delayed and cancelled due to low visibility.

Several flights in the morning have also been cancelled due to planes not being at the airport due to the cancelled inbound flights.

Check with you airline for up to date information.

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