Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook announced the hiring of new principals for W.E. Miller Elementary School and Sky View Middle School. Jessica Scott (pictured on the right) will lead William E. Miller Elementary School and Monica Hanson (pictured on the left) will lead Sky View Middle School. Both new principals are set to begin their roles on July 1st.

Scott will take over from Jennifer Johnson at William E. Miller Elementary School. Hanson will replace Julie Stroinski at Sky View Middle School, with Stroinski moving to a similar role with Bend-La Pine Online.

Scott has been serving as Assistant Principal at Miller since January. Her nearly 20 years in education include experience as a classroom teacher, student services leader and building administrator. Previously, she served as Assistant Principal at Juniper Elementary School and in Student Services at Elk Meadow Elementary School.

Hanson is completing her fourth year as Assistant Principal at Mountain View High School. Before joining Bend-La Pine Schools, Hanson held several leadership roles with Summit Public Schools in the Bay Area, including time as a Principal and Assistant Principal. She began her career as a Spanish teacher and brings experience in restorative practices, instructional leadership, relationship building and whole-child student support.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) has awarded $62,500 in grants to 14 historic cemetery projects across the state, including Deschutes County. These funds will support preservation efforts, tree care and surveys.

The grants are part of the annual Historic Cemeteries Grant program, aiming to help document, preserve and promote designated historic cemeteries.

Individual awards for the 14 projects ranged from $603 to $8,000. This grant program is an annual offering by the OCHC, which operates as part of the Oregon Heritage Program at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The program receives support from lottery and other state funds.

To be considered historic and eligible for OCHC documentation, a cemetery must include the burial of at least one person who died 75 years before the current date.

The funded projects address various needs at cemeteries statewide. This includes fence installation, marker repair, tree work, Ground Penetrating Radar work, and surveys.

Specific projects receiving funding include fence installation at the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Baker County. Marker repair will occur at Eastwood Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Medford, Fairview Cemetery, Riverside Cemetery and Sandridge Cemetery in Linn County, as well as St. Boniface Cemetery and Twin Oaks Cemetery in Marion County. Tree work is planned for Bridal Veil Cemetery in Multnomah County, Burch Pioneer Cemetery in Polk County and Mo. Flat Cemetery in Jackson County. Camp Polk Cemetery in Deschutes County will receive funding for Ground Penetrating Radar work, while a survey will be completed at Allegany Historic Cemetery in Coos County. Security lighting will be installed at Mount Union Cemetery in Benton County and gravel road repair will be completed at Powers Cemetery in Coos County.

The OCHC, a seven-member appointed commission, maintains a list of all pioneer and historic cemeteries throughout Oregon. The commission assists individuals and organizations in their efforts to document, preserve and promote these designated historic sites.

For more information about the grant program or the OCHC, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Average gasoline prices in Oregon decreased by 13.6 cents per gallon over the last week, currently averaging $5.05 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. This decline mirrors a national trend, with the average U.S. gasoline price falling by 17.9 cents per gallon in the same period, now at $4.09 per gallon.

Gasoline prices in Oregon are 24.2 cents per gallon lower than one month ago and stand $1.15 per gallon higher than one year ago. The national average price of gasoline is down 45.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.02 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel also decreased by 13.8 cents compared to a week ago, settling at $5.299 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, stated that average gasoline prices declined in nearly every state over the last week. This trend occurred as oil prices continued to fall, with crude approaching $90 per barrel and refiners increased output following seasonal maintenance. “The combination of lower oil costs and improving refinery runs has kept downward pressure on pump prices, giving motorists a welcome reprieve,” Haan said. “However, the future of prices remains murky.”

Haan added that global oil supplies continue to tighten with the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed. He noted that any further deterioration in this situation could send prices sharply higher. Haan concluded, “For now, motorists may enjoy the savings at the pump, but the risk of a significant reversal has not gone away.”

GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon indicated a significant price difference within the state. The cheapest station was priced at $4.27 per gallon yesterday, while the most expensive was $6.19 per gallon, a difference of $1.92 per gallon.

Gasoline prices also fell in major Oregon cities. In Eugene, prices are $4.97 per gallon, down 15.5 cents from last week’s $5.12 per gallon. Salem saw prices at $4.98 per gallon, an 11.6 cent decrease from $5.10 per gallon last week. Portland’s average price is $5.19 per gallon, which is 12.1 cents lower than last week’s $5.31 per gallon.

Historical data from GasBuddy shows the average price for June 8 in Oregon was $3.90 per gallon in 2025, $4.14 per gallon in 2024, $4.29 per gallon in 2023, $5.48 per gallon in 2022 and $3.41 per gallon in 2021. For the U.S. average on June 8, prices were $3.07 per gallon in 2025, $3.42 per gallon in 2024, $3.55 per gallon in 2023, $4.98 per gallon in 2022 and $3.07 per gallon in 2021.

GasBuddy, a PDI Technologies company, is a fuel savings platform for North America. It provides real-time prices at more than 150,000 stations. GasBuddy gathers its data from more than 11 million weekly price reports, updating averages 288 times daily through spotter reports, direct station integrations and transactional data.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler announced Monday, June 8th, that she will seek re-election for a second term in November 2026. Kebler says she is campaigning to continue her leadership and advance progress on housing, homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure improvements.

Kebler is completing her first term as mayor, having been first elected to the Bend City Council in 2020 before voters elected her mayor in 2022. She states her re-election will provide tested and trusted leadership, aiming to protect the city’s progress and keep Bend on track for housing affordability and smart planning.

Mayor Kebler emphasized her commitment to Bend’s future in a statement. “I’m honored to have spent the past four years leading the City Council and getting results for Bend,” Kebler said. “I’m running for another term as mayor to provide tested and trusted leadership in this pivotal moment. We must protect the progress we’ve made as a city from federal chaos, and keep Bend on track toward housing affordability and smart planning. I’m excited to lead our continued progress on housing, homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure improvements that are creating a better Bend for everyone.”

During her current term, Kebler’s administration has worked to reverse a decade-long trend of growing homelessness. This includes significantly reducing unsheltered homelessness in 2025 through investments in shelter and safe parking options. The city also created its first Navigation Center and collaborated with service providers to help hundreds of people transition to more secure housing.

In terms of housing affordability, Kebler’s leadership saw rent increases flatten and median home prices turn a corner. The city achieved this by building more homes and investing over $15 million into income-restricted affordable housing. Additionally, permitting processes were streamlined, code changes implemented to allow more housing types, and new complete neighborhoods were planned with required percentages of affordable housing. As a result, Bend leads the state in both market rate and income-restricted homes produced per capita.

Public safety initiatives under Kebler’s term include a significant reduction in police response to mental health calls through collaboration with the Deschutes County crisis response team. Concurrently, police resources were increased to address drunk driving and serious crime. The fire department maintained award-winning response times and cardiac survival rates while taking steps to provide more efficient services and cut overtime costs.

Kebler also secured over $60 million in federal grants and earmarks. These funds are designated to improve Bend’s transportation system, update water infrastructure, enhance permitting processes, and create more affordable housing. Furthermore, local roads were paved, sealed, and swept, and projects from the 2020 GO Bond list, such as intersection improvements, new roundabouts, and safer infrastructure for people who walk and bike, were completed.

The mayor has garnered support from various local leaders. Congresswoman Janelle Bynum praised Kebler’s dedication. “Mayor Kebler understands the needs of her community and has a proven track record fighting for real results for Bend’s working families. She is the collaborative, forward-looking leader Bend needs,” Bynum said.

State Senator Anthony Broadman highlighted Kebler’s effectiveness in securing resources. “I’ve seen first hand how hard Mayor Kebler works for Bend, and how effective she is in Salem at bringing home the resources and policy changes that the city needs to make progress on some of our toughest issues. The people of Bend should be proud to re-elect their very own Bend High grad to another term as Mayor,” Broadman stated. Kebler graduated from Bend High in 2001.

Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang noted Kebler’s collaborative approach. “Re-electing Mayor Kebler will ensure Bend and Deschutes County continue to make progress on homelessness, housing, wildfire preparedness, and more. She has built important relationships with local leaders across the political spectrum to create positive change for our community,” Chang said.

Former Bend Mayor Sally Russell expressed her full support. “Bend has seen solid leadership under Mayor Kebler. Bend and our region will benefit under her continued leadership the next four years. I fully support her re-election,” Russell said. Another former mayor, Casey Roats, emphasized Kebler’s steadiness. “Under Mayor Kebler’s leadership, our local government has stayed strong and sound through the chaos and divisiveness coming out of DC. We need Mayor Kebler at the helm to navigate our toughest issues, create collaborative solutions, and stand up for our democracy. She has my vote,” Roats stated.

Kebler has secured endorsements from a wide range of officials, including Representative Emerson Levy, Representative Jason Kropf, Deschutes County Commissioners-Elect Jamie Collins and Rick Russell, Bend Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins, and Bend City Councilors Steve Platt, Mike Riley, Megan Norris, and Ariel Méndez. Other supporters include Bend School Board Chair Marcus LeGrand, Bend Parks Board Chair Donna Owens, Vice Chair Cary Schneider, COCC Board Chair Erica Skatvold, COCC Board Vice Chair and former Bend Police Chief Jim Porter, former State Representative Judy Stiegler, former District Attorney Mike Dugan, former Bend Mayor Gena Goodman-Campbell, former Bend City Councilor Mark Capell, and former Parks Board Member Zavi Borja. Kebler will be seeking additional endorsements.

Before her mayoral term, Kebler worked as a prosecutor and a crime victims rights attorney. She currently serves as a board member for the League of Oregon Cities and has been an appointed member of Oregon’s Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability since 2019. Kebler lives in southeast Bend with her daughter. She plans to engage with the community during her campaign. “In my time as mayor I’ve learned to listen to all voices, not just those I agree with,” Kebler said. “I look forward to engaging with people all across Bend in this campaign.”

Voters interested in learning more about Mayor Kebler and her priorities can visit melaniekebler.com.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Lightning concluded their 2026 home regular season with a 40–17 loss to the Kentucky Barrels on Sunday, June 8th, in Redmond.

Kentucky’s offense established an early lead, driving to a 19–2 halftime advantage. The Barrels capitalized on short fields and red-zone opportunities, relying on a ground attack that delivered four rushing touchdowns. Kicker Amman Lakip initiated the Lightning’s scoring with a deuce and contributed a rouge on a kickoff.

Kentucky quarterback Darryl Overstreet Jr. scored three rushing touchdowns. Running back Desmon Epps added another rushing touchdown for Kentucky. Wide receiver Shilo Flannigan led Kentucky’s passing game with 7 receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns, converting third-down plays and stretching the field. Oregon’s defense faced repeated short-field possessions but battled throughout the game.

Oregon’s offense saw a second-half surge, led by wide receiver Maurice “Mo” Ashley. Ashley delivered nine receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns, both coming after halftime. Wideout Prince Shinola added 4 catches for 30 yards. The Lightning’s defense limited Kentucky’s star pass-catcher, Darius Prince, to four receptions for 42 yards.

Defensively, Nick Brassel led Oregon with six tackles. Bashu Delco II contributed five tackles and made several key open-field stops. Offensive lineman James Hines was named the Lightning in the Storm Player of the Game on 6-7 Day. Hines anchored the trenches during the game and remained on the field after the final whistle to sign autographs, take photos and engage with supporters, embodying the organization’s “Fans First” mentality.

The Oregon Lightning are currently two games out of playoff position.

The Oregon Lightning will face the Kentucky Barrels again in a rematch on Saturday, June 13, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. This game will take place in the Cincinnati metro area. Tickets for the upcoming game are available at kybarrelsfootball.com.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A once-vacant building on NE Greenwood Avenue is becoming a new creative hub for Bend’s youth and local artists. The Open Arts Center, located at 175 NE Greenwood Ave., celebrated its grand opening Friday night with more than 200 people walking through the 10,000‑square‑foot space.

The nonprofit is the vision of local artists Maija Kellner-Rode and Claire Brislin, who have spent the last two years designing what they describe as an intergenerational creative community. The center will offer free space for teenagers ages 12 to 18 and fee-based studios and workspaces for adult artists.

Organizers say the goal is to give teens a safe, welcoming place to create, connect and develop confidence. Kellner-Rode hopes the studio environment encourages adult artists to become mentors, offering guidance and even apprenticeship opportunities to young people with specific interests.

The center plans to build out 17 artist studios, a gallery, classroom space and a rotating artist-in-residence program. Adults will be able to buy memberships, day passes or storage units, with volunteers expected to complete trauma-informed training and background checks before working with teens.

Teens will have opportunities to serve as ambassadors and help shape the program’s future through a youth board. The center expects to open for teen drop‑ins by mid‑October.

The Open Arts Center also plans to host First Friday events and other community gatherings. An open house is scheduled for July 29, offering the public a chance to tour the space and learn more about future programming. Organizers hope to raise funds for equipment, supplies and potential naming rights for studios and classrooms.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (PRINEVILLE REVIEW) — A dispute between a Crook County homeowner and a Central Oregon contractor has escalated from a state-mediated agreement to a civil court case, according to records obtained by the Prineville Review.

The complaint involves Austin Cole Fox, operating as ACF Construction, and centers on a planned accessory dwelling unit project in Prineville. The homeowner, Patty DeDominic, alleges she paid a $10,000 deposit in June 2025 for the project.

According to documents obtained through a public records request, DeDominic said the project could not move forward due to county zoning restrictions. She alleged no construction work was completed, no materials were provided, and repeated attempts to communicate about next steps went unanswered.

In a demand letter later submitted to state agencies, DeDominic requested a full refund of the deposit and indicated she would pursue regulatory complaints if the issue was not resolved.

The matter was referred to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, which oversees licensed contractors in the state. Records show the two parties participated in a telephone mediation on Feb. 12, 2026, where Fox agreed to repay the $10,000 in five monthly installments of $2,000 beginning March 10.

However, less than six weeks later, DeDominic notified the agency that the first payment had not been received. She subsequently issued a notice of default and requested documentation of the alleged breach.

CCB officials advised that further action to access the contractor’s bond would require a court judgment. DeDominic then filed a civil complaint in Crook County Circuit Court.

Records indicate attempts to serve Fox were initially unsuccessful, prompting DeDominic to hire a private investigator to locate a current address. The case has since been filed with the court, placing the CCB administrative process on hold pending the outcome.

State records show Fox’s contractor license is currently lapsed. Oregon law requires licensed contractors to maintain liability insurance and a surety bond, which can provide financial protection to consumers in certain disputes.

The Prineville Review reports Fox declined to comment on the allegations and instead disputed the publication’s reporting process, stating he intended to pursue legal action for what he described as slander.

The Construction Contractors Board declined to comment on the specific case but encourages consumers experiencing issues with contractors to file complaints with the agency.

As of publication, the case remains pending in Crook County Circuit Court. No response has been filed on Fox’s behalf. The Prineville Review also reports it has not independently verified additional public allegations circulating online involving the contractor.

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Harley Coldiron

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — US-97 has reopened in both directions north of Terrebonne after a serious two-vehicle crash that shut down the highway for hours and prompted an air ambulance response. Oregon State Police told KTVZ News there may be a fatality.

The Oregon State Police and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Jole Kelley with OSP told KTVZ News, “This is still an active incident, so I don’t have much information yet. The preliminary information indicates a two-vehicle accident with a possible fatality.”

Traffic backed up on Highway 97 from closure.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Against a stunning sunset, Mountain View High School celebrated the Class of 2026, honoring 271 graduates, including Valedictorian Brendan Medina and Salutatorian Hailey Crum. The evening was filled with pride and joy as family, friends and staff gathered to commend the students’ academic achievements and future aspirations.

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Harley Coldiron

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crooked River Roundup has announced the lineup of 2026 Young Gun contestants, a special feature event celebrating rising rodeo stars. From June 25–27, 2026, 36 young athletes will compete in six events at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville.

These young competitors will showcase their talent alongside Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) athletes, offering spectators a chance to see both current champions and future rodeo stars.

The Young Guns competition has been a fan favorite for the past five years, providing a platform for youth competitors in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. The event promises family-friendly entertainment, thrilling rodeo action and a strong sense of community for both fans and contestants.

From left to right, you see Lucas Kline, Della Portfield, Brinlee Smith Giovanini, Savvy Santucci, and Syd Santucci.

The 36 Young Gun contestants will compete in six events, demonstrating talent from across Oregon and beyond. Each participant embodies the spirit, skill and determination that define the rodeo tradition.

Featured local Young Guns include Savvy Santucci, 8, in Barrel Racing and Syd Santucci, 11, as a Team Roping heeler. Brinlee Smith-Giovanini, 15, will compete in Breakaway Roping and as a Team Roping header. Della Porterfield, 13, is scheduled for Breakaway Roping and Team Roping heeler, while Luke Kline, 13, is a Team Roping header.

KTVZ News has reported on controversy and tension between the Crook County Fair Board and the Crooked River Roundup over their contract terms, but nothing should affect the weekend’s festivities.

The Crooked River Roundup, founded in 1945, is one of Oregon’s celebrated rodeo traditions. The 2026 event will mark the Roundup’s 81st anniversary. It brings together top-tier rodeo athletes, local talent, and fans from across the region in a celebration of Western heritage and community spirit.

The dedicated board of directors and volunteers are proud to celebrate America’s 250th birthday during the Roundup’s 81st anniversary.

Further details, including a full roster of contestants and their hometowns, tickets and the complete schedule of events, are available on the official Crooked River Roundup website.

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