Category: ktvz-local-news

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With the stock market in the midst of some tumultuous times, many people are worried about the future of their 401(k) retirement savings. For some guidance, KTVZ News spoke Monday with the CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union.

In an interview, CEO Kevin Cole stressed that this is not a time to panic. The recent market fall, somewhat lessened on Monday, will impact you differently, depending on how close you are to retiring. If you’re in a position to delay your retirement, doing so might help you wait it out.

Most importantly, your financial situation is unique to you, and you should meet with a financial advisor to get advice.

“I think of this as, you know, working on your car, right?” Cole said. “Cars these days are super-complicated, and most people when they need a repair or a service, they go to a trained professional.

“Yet: a shocking number of people don’t think that they need to do the same thing with their finances, and that’s where a lot of people make a mistake. So in a lot of cases, a trained financial professional is going to be able to give you advice that’s going to help you maximize the return on your investments.”

Cole says it’s also reassuring the market in Central Oregon is slightly insulated from the national market. For better or for worse, there’s no Fortune 500 company based in our area, and that shields us from some things.

“Central Oregon tends to have a more diverse and more a wider range of smaller companies as its economic base,” Cole said. “And in a situation like this, where there’s a lot of market volatility, that can be an advantage to an area.”

Investing and banking locally can help our economy stay afloat, the Mid Oregon official says. By keeping your money here in Central Oregon, you support your own community and ensure greater stability.

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from grant recipient, Visit Central Oregon)

ANTELOPE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Antelope, located in North-Central Oregon, is one of Oregon’s smallest communities. Resident Brandee McNamee says tourism is key to its economic growth.

“When you have a small community of only 37 people, the entire tax base of this whole town only brings in a little over $6,000.” McNamee said Wednesday.

McNamee founded the Antelope 3 LLC project, aimed at creating a safe and inclusive stop for travelers passing through town.

This project was selected as one of the seven recipients of the Central Oregon Future Fund. The grant program will award a total of $280,000 to seven tourism-related projects this year.

Visit Central Oregon started the program a few years ago.

“We’re able to leverage local roads and lodging tax dollars to fund projects that go back to the community in a way that benefits residents and that benefits visitors,” said Visit Central Oregon President and CEO Scott Larson.

The grant money will fund the final phase of Antelope 3, adding four toilets, two showers and one outdoor shower in the Antelope Pavilion.

McNamee says the area originally offered only dry camping, but as more cyclists began passing through, she realized the facility needed an upgrade.

“Well, they’re not going to want to do RV pads, right? They want a short-term stay overnight,” McNamee said.

Visitation to Antelope has also grown since the area was designated as an International Dark Sky Community.

“I received a plethora of phone calls from folks that wanted to book, and I had to turn them away because I was like, ‘Sorry, we don’t have the amenities,'” McNamee said.

McNamee hopes improved amenities will attract more visitors, and maybe create some new jobs.

“Right now, Antelope doesn’t have one 40-hour a week full-time job,” he said. “So think if we create two jobs from this whole project, that’s a 200% increase in job growth.

“Without outside funding, such as tourism, there is no economically sustainable business model that you’re going to be able to do in a small town like this without it.”

The 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund Grantees include:

Antelope 3, LLC – Antelope Pavilion, Final Phase: The Antelope Pavilion project will provide a safe and inclusive “stopping place” for travelers looking to use restrooms, refill on water, and relax while on their rural travels, especially for Antelope Dark Skies.

“The Future Fund strengthens rural communities like Antelope by supporting tourism and local businesses, helping build a more sustainable local economy,” said Brandie McNamee, founder of Antelope Market and RV Park.

“Without tourism, a small town like Antelope (population 37) has very little to leverage. Repurposing lodging tax revenue allows towns like ours to leverage even more: Antelope’s total tax base is just $6,038 in 2024, but if the Antelope Cabins generate $150,000 annually, a 5% lodging tax would bring in $7,500—more than our entire current tax base. It’s a way to recycle dollars today to grow even more tomorrow.”

Dirty Freehub – High Desert Gravel Guide: The High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide is a pocket-sized book featuring the best gravel cycling routes in Central Oregon. Featuring curated rides, local history, art, and cultural insights, it connects cyclists to the land and its communities.

“The High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide project is more than a collection of great bike rides—it’s a bridge between visitors and the communities of Central Oregon,” said Kevin English, Director of Content & Technologies for Dirty Freehub, which is planning to publish its High Desert Gravel Guide in spring 2026.

“Thanks to support from the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund grant, we are creating a sustainable tourism asset that showcases our region’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage and helps generate long-term economic benefits for rural towns like Maupin, Warm Springs, and Prineville. Visitors will connect with the land, spend where they ride, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the area’s stories and stewardship values.”

Explore Prineville – Golf “Fore” All: The Adaptive Golf Project: This will provide a Vertacat, an all-terrain adaptive golf cart, that Prineville’s local golf courses could provide for golfers—including both visitors to our community and locals—at no cost.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Visit Central Oregon’s Future Fund for helping us enhance accessibility and enjoyment at our local golf facilities,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism at Explore Prineville. “Adding a stand-up golf cart will allow more people — including aging golfers and those with mobility challenges — to stay active and enjoy the game they love. It’s a fantastic example of how repurposed revenue from visitors can directly benefit both our community and our guests, making Prineville’s recreation offerings more inclusive and forward-thinking.”

Deschutes River Alliance – Troutfest 2025-Access Adventure Promotion: DRA will leverage Troutfest ‘25 to drive diverse and equitable tourism. This will include promotion beyond typical demographics, diverse instructors, and scholarships.

High Desert Museum – Our Place, Our Cultures: The High Desert Museum will launch a series of new exhibitions and programs that explore the unique landscapes of the High Desert through cultural, artistic, and scientific perspectives, driving broad audiences to Central Oregon.

Oregon Adaptive Sports – Access, Elevated: “Access, Elevated” develops opportunities for adaptive outdoor recreation in Central Oregon by extending ski seasons, creating fall biking programs, and launching an adaptive paddling program.

Tower Theatre Foundation – Enhanced ADA Accessibility at Tower Theatre: The Tower Theatre will replace a 20-year-old wheelchair lift for access to the stage from the auditorium and install a one-push automatic door at the ADA entrance on Wall Street, continuing the theatre’s long-standing commitment to accessibility.

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire voted unanimously Tuesday to eliminate the state’s controversial wildfire hazard map, first introduced in 2021’s SB 762. The policy advanced Tuesday also scraps the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“Today is a milestone in our wildfire journey. As a whole, SB 762 programs have great support across the state, but the hazard map, which flunked the basic common-sense test for so many property owners, had Oregonians angry and divided,” said Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland).

“Repealing the map clears the way to good collaborative programs on the ground. Now the challenge is to fund them at the levels we need,” Golden said in a news release from the Senate Majority Office.

Senate Bill 83 now moves to the Senate floor for a vote by the whole chamber.

Republican lawmakers hailed the committee vote, calling it a crucial step toward repealing the controversial wildfire hazard map and the excessive regulations tied to it.

Senate and House Republicans released the following statement:

“Today, we’re celebrating with the thousands of Oregonians who have fought for this change. Rural Oregonians raised their voices and demanded action, and as a result, we’re finally seeing real progress.

“Senate Bill 83 puts power back in the hands of the people, not government bureaucrats. The wildfire hazard map caused fear and uncertainty, burdening families with costly and unfair one-size-fits-all mandates. This bill repeals that mess, empowers people to protect their homes without the threat of government interference, and focuses on practical solutions for wildfire prevention. With this step forward, we’re delivering the change that rural Oregon has long deserved.”

SB 83 empowers local communities to make decisions tailored to their unique needs, enabling them to take effective steps to protect their homes. It also ensures taxpayer dollars are spent where they have the most impact—supporting local efforts like defensible space, forest thinning, and wildfire readiness programs.

The measure now moves to the Senate floor for a vote.

In February, two Bend Democratic lawmakers, state Senator Anthony Broadman and Representative Emerson Levy, came out in favor of the map’s repeal. Broadman said it doesn’t “create an equitable system” or account for variations among individual properties.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District is working on a nearly $3 million improvement project at Sawyer Park and will share project information, including plans to mitigate potential impacts to cultural and historic resources at the site, at a Tuesday, April 22 open house from 5-7 p.m. at the park district offices, 799 SW Columbia Street.

Sawyer is one of Bend’s oldest and most beloved parks. Decades of use and increased visitors to the park each year have created the need for an improved entrance and parking lot. The existing amenities can no longer provide the functions and space needed for the park, the district says.

The project plans include relocating the parking area closer to O.B. Riley Road, adding accessible parking, habitat restoration, improving trail accessibility and the addition of a permanent restroom, picnic shelter and river overlook.

The project was awarded over $1 million from a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant. As part of the grant program, there was a review of potential impacts the project may have on cultural and historic resources on the site. This project was determined to have an adverse effect on some of those resources.

“We worked with the National Park Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to create a plan to mitigate the impact of the adverse effects, and I will share information about that plan at the open house,” said Bronwen Mastro, BPR’sD landscape architect and project manager.

The meeting is open-house style and there will not be a formal presentation. Community members are encouraged to drop in at their convenience, if they would like to learn more.

The project is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2026. Learn more at the project webpage.

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ)  — The Prineville Crook County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center is excited to unveil a stunning remodel of its main office in Prineville.

Funded through the Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Program, the remodel enhances the facility to enhance the Chamber’s ability to serve residents, visitors, and tourists exploring the area.

The project focused on key upgrades to improve the Visitor Center’s functionality, including a handicap-accessible door opener, a new ADA-compliant front desk, lobby seating, and wayfinding signage. The remodel also features a high-resolution LED sign at the front of the building, making community and tourism information easier to access for all.

“The grant we received from Travel Oregon made this project possible, and it’s incredible to see the transformation,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism for Explore Prineville. “This remodel reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming and accommodating space for visitors. It’s a major milestone for Prineville’s tourism efforts.”

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of our team, especially Kim and her hard work securing this competitive grant,” said Chamber President Shawn Benson. “It’s an example of what can be accomplished when prioritizing tourism and community partnerships.”

The remodel was made possible through collaboration with local experts, including Brandin Noland of Orion Subcontracting, who led the construction efforts, and Brittany Grogan of Hailis Design, whose creative vision brought the redesign to life. Current and former board members of the Visitor Center also contributed to making this project a success.

“We’re proud to share these updates with the community and look forward to welcoming more visitors to Prineville,” added Operations Manager Deb Shaw. “This facility is not just an office—it’s the first impression many people have of our area, and now it truly reflects the warmth and hospitality of Prineville.”

Barney Lerten

Announcement came on same day Latino Community Assn. canceled Central Oregon Latino Fest

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Father’s Group organization in Bend has canceled this year’s Juneteenth Celebration at Drake Park, noting “today’s increasingly political climate, with rising incidents of racial aggression and threats, particularly toward Black and Latino communities.”

“Safety must come first,” the organization said in a Facebook post, adding that the decision was made “after deep reflection, consultation and with heavy hearts.”

It was one of two Central Oregon community organizations to announce an event cancellation on Monday, citing similar safety concerns. The Latino Community Association said it has decided to cancel this fall’s Central Oregon Latino Fest in Madras.

Here’s the announcement posted late Monday by The Father’s Group on its Facebook page:

To Our Beloved Community,

After deep reflection, consultation, and with heavy hearts, we are postponing this year’s Juneteenth Celebration at Drake Park.

This decision did not come lightly.

As you know, Juneteenth is more than just a holiday for us—it’s a time to uplift our history, celebrate our resilience, and stand in joyful solidarity. But in today’s increasingly volatile political climate, with rising incidents of racial aggression and threats—particularly toward Black and Latino communities—safety must come first.

Every year, our celebration welcomes families, youth, elders, and people from all walks of life. Your safety is our top priority. As protectors and organizers, we refuse to put our community at risk. We’d rather pause now than regret later.

But make no mistake—we are not backing down. We are regrouping. And we’ll be back in 2026, stronger, safer, and bolder than ever.

In the meantime, we encourage you to support and attend the beautiful celebration being held by our friends at Central Oregon Earthseeds! They’re hosting a “Juneteenth – An Evening at the Campfire,” featuring a vibrant Black Business Market featuring a DJ and Jermaican Jerk Culture! Stay tuned for more information soon!

Let’s continue to show up, build together, and create safe spaces that center joy, culture, and connection. So make sure you mark your calendars!

Thank you for your understanding, love, and continued support. We’ll see you soon—and when we do, it’ll be unforgettable.

With love and solidarity,

The Father’s Group”

Isabella Warren

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Homelessness looks different in and around all of cities across Deschutes County, officials say – especially in La Pine.

Outreach groups say they’ve long struggled to reach the homeless in the La Pine area, and as major homeless encampments in the county like along China Hat Road are closed, more homeless could be moving to the area.

The county says it’s preparing.

“What we see from our perspective is a lot of folks that are from the community,” said Colleen Thomas, supervisor of the county’s homeless outreach services. “We see a lot of generational poverty as well. If they aren’t able to access the limited resources that we do have, a lot of the folks may not be able to access some of the resources, including shelters or housing programs.”

Deschutes County says the outreach team is currently trying to prevent campers from moving farther onto Forest Service land, preventing isolation, which could pose dangers for those with mental health issues.

The homeless have been at the center of wildfire prevention in La Pine following the Darlene 3 fire, where a viral video showed a burning camp at the center of the devastating blaze. The Forest Service has not confirmed the cause of that fire.

The Problem Solvers are continuing to investigate homelessness in La Pine for a full report later this month. Please reach out with any information for this story to problemsolvers@ktvz.com.