Category: ktvz-local-news

Dylan Anderman

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In the wake of two tragic deaths at Mt. Bachelor in the past month — including the recent loss of a 13-year-old skier from Washington — experts are urging families and young skiers to take every possible safety precaution on the mountain.

Lauren Ringrose, a ski instructor based at Mt. Hood, works with young skiers every week on mountain safety — especially when it comes to skiing near trees and navigating unpredictable terrain.

“My advice for families and just young people skiing in general is obviously staying in control, being aware of your surroundings at all times,” Ringrose told KTVZ News. “We’re sharing the mountain with others, but there are other obstacles too in this variable terrain. Know your skill level, stick with runs that fit that, and ski with a buddy. And of course — wear a helmet and proper safety gear.”

Ringrose emphasizes that skiing among trees, while fun and challenging, requires specific preparation — especially for young or inexperienced skiers.

“When I take kids into the trees, I remind them to slow down, stay in control, and look ahead,” she explained. “It’s easy to look down at your skis and lose focus — but that’s when accidents happen.”

Ringrose says that skiing or snowboarding with limited knowledge of the terrain can be dangerous — especially for those visiting from out of state.

“Sometimes people don’t realize how extreme the terrain can be here in Oregon. We have really steep slopes and snow that’s very different than other regions.”

While Ringrose works at Mount Hood, she’s skied Mt. Bachelor many times — including the trail Dilly Dally Alley, where the most recent fatal accident occurred.

“Mount Bachelor is a fantastic place to learn to ski — especially on a powder day,” she said. “The trees can be fun — but when it’s icy, and you’re going too fast or don’t know how to control yourself, it becomes dangerous.”

Ringrose also urges all skiers and snowboarders to never go out alone.

“Mt. Bachelor is a big mountain, and like any mountain in the Pacific Northwest, the terrain can be variable and scary at times,” she said. “There are hazards like tree wells, avalanches, and, of course, trees. Skiing with a buddy can make all the difference — if something happens, they can contact ski patrol right away. Those few minutes could save a life.”

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from 911 dispatcher)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to raise awareness of the invaluable work done by Deschutes 911, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

They’re called the unsung heroes of emergency services. The calm voice you hear in an emergency are often called “the first, first responders.”

“There’s a lot of really awesome benefits when we get to help someone or save a life that sticks with you and there’s definitely pride behind that,” dispatcher Hannah Wilkinson said Monday. “I think maybe there’s sometimes a fear behind calling, or a concern that it’s a bother to us. It’s absolutely not!.. That’s what we’re here for. We would rather you call the sooner we can get you help.”

Wilkinson has worked for the Deschutes County 911 dispatch for two years and says every day is different.

“We see a lot of traffic complaints, as well as domestic disputes and probably a rise in mental health crisis,” she said. “We have a great community crisis response team now that helps take a lot of that load off of the police department. And they do a really good job.”

The Deschutes 911 team is a group of highly trained telecommunicators who calmly guide callers through emergencies, relaying vital information to law enforcement, firefighters, mental health professionals, and emergency medical teams, ensuring that help arrives when it’s needed most.

“The county’s public safety telecommunicators are the unsung heroes in our community and an essential part of the emergency response system,” said Deschutes 9-1-1 Director Sara Crosswhite. “When someone calls 911, telecommunicators gather crucial information, dispatch the appropriate services and oftentimes provide life-saving instructions while help is on the way.”

In 2024, Deschutes 911 answered 273,337 calls, which equates to nearly 750 calls a day. Of those, 66,369 were for emergency situations and 206,968 were for non-emergency situations. Deschutes 9-1-1 dispatchers assisted in the birth of three babies last year.

Dispatcher Hannah Wilkinson told us: “We’re here to be the calm voice and hopefully guide people through the process when these emergencies are happening. These emergencies will happen no matter what, and so we’re just here to be the friendly voice on the other side of the phone.”

NPSTW has been an annual observance during the second week of April since 1981. Throughout the week, Deschutes 9-1-1 staff will participate in a variety of internal team-building activities and events to honor the members of their team.

As the county observes NPSTW, they encourage community members to express their gratitude and appreciation for the telecommunicators at Deschutes 9-1-1. Whether through writing a thank-you note or sharing a social media post, every gesture helps to show these dedicated professionals that their dedicated service does not go unnoticed.

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For April’s Ask the Mayor of Bend segment, KTVZ News asked Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler your pressing questions on Thursday KTVZ News at Sunrise, on topics ranging from street sweeping hours to parking policies downtown.

Make sure to submit your questions for the mayor here for next month’s segment. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

And join us for Sunrise next Thursday for our Ask the Mayor of Redmond segment, with Mayor Ed Fitch answering your questions. Submit your questions here.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding new video, comments from Governor Kotek and longtime Burns resident)

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As hard-hit Harney County begins to recover from historic floods, Governor Tina Kotek stressed the need for federal funding and urged President Donald Trump to officially declare a disaster. 

“We’re going to work on this together,” Kotek said Thursday in a media briefing with state Rep. Mark Owens (R-Crane) that was livestreamed by KTVZ News.  (You can watch the whole live stream above.)

The governor said she met with local officials about the efforts to get people back into their homes and temporary shelter needs while cleanup and repairs are underway. She also said they had a “long-term conversation about better flood mitigation in the future.” 

Kotek said she spoke with several of the hard-hit residents, one of whom has been at a Red Cross shelter since the first day and shared with her photos of their home. 

“It’s a really horrible feeling, to hear what people have gone through here,” she said. “We’re going to figure this out.”

And she added, “There was a real sense of community and help from their neighbors.” 

Longtime Burns resident Pat McDonald was one of hundreds who had her home flooded. Though it’s not the first time they’ve dealt with rising waters, this flood is the worst she’s ever seen.

“So we sandbagged everything – it still kept breaking through. The (Silvies) River was so intense, so hard that it was breaking through.”

McDonald also told KTVZ News she hopes Kotek comes up with a long-term plan, so residents don’t have to deal with floods every five years or so.

Cleanup and recovery efforts continued Friday across flood-stricken areas of Burns as the community kept a watchful eye on the still-high Silvies River amid warmer conditions. 

Here’s the Harney County Sheriff’s Office update for Thursday:

While Harney County has shifted toward a clean-up and recovery response, we continue to monitor for any potential new flooding. The National Weather Service indicates the Silvies River gauge will continue to hover around 12 feet, minor flood stage, due to warm temperatures. Because of this, evacuation levels remain unchanged. We ask residents to remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate if ordered to leave.

The reinforcement of Dike D was successfully completed earlier this week. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the large, permeable rock used in the project could allow some water leak during another high-water event, but they emphasize that Dike D remains stable and structurally sound, even if water is observed seeping through the reinforced area. Harney County extends its gratitude and the Army Corps of Engineers, and supporting contractors, for responding and reinforcing the dike in a timely and thorough manner.

Cleanup efforts following the flood are underway. Teams from the Hines Fire Department, Hines Police Department, and the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management are actively canvassing affected neighborhoods, gather essential information to effectively coordinate recovery operations.

Public health officials continue to stress the serious health risks associated with floodwaters. Residents are urged to practice caution when in flooded or previously flooded areas. We are asking the public to refrain from taking flood-contaminated debris from local dumpsters due to potential health risks.

The City of Burns’ drinking water remains safe and unaffected.

On Thursday, Grocery Outlet donated approximately 140 pallets to store filled sandbags.

County Roads Update: OO Road (Double O Road) is down to one lane only.

For propane tank questions, Burns Fire Chief Scott Williamson recommends contacting Ed Staub & Sons, 429 Crane Blvd. in Burns.

For the latest information and a list of resources, including shelter, public health, road conditions and disposal information, please visit harneycountyor.gov/flood/ and our Facebook page.

Dylan Anderman

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon is known for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventure, and perhaps most passionately — its rodeo fans. The High Desert Stampede in Redmond has become one of the crown jewels of the region’s rodeo scene, quickly earning a reputation as a must-see event.

Rodeo clown JJ Harrison said, “The great thing about Central Oregon is that it creates some of the greatest rodeo fans, because they have phenomenal rodeos here on the High Desert. Stampede has absolutely jumped right in with both feet and set a mark in Central Oregon that all of the rodeos now know.”

At the High Desert Stampede, fans flock to see world-class athletes roping, riding and competing in traditional rodeo events — but there’s another draw that keeps the crowd cheering long after the broncs settle. That star is JJ Harrison, one of the most celebrated rodeo clowns in the country.

JJ Harrison has become synonymous with the kind of energy that defines a great rodeo experience. Known for his wild antics, fast wit, and spontaneous crowd interactions, Harrison prides himself on keeping his act fresh and unpredictable.

“One of the things that I’ve really prided myself on is my consistency at rodeos, and that comes from just being electric and different the whole time,” Harrison said, “You can’t rely on one thing that you did. It needs to evolve and change with you. And tonight, we’re going to work. The crowd is going to be fun, but I really don’t know where it’s going to go.”

Though he calls Walla Walla, Washington home, JJ spends most of the year on the road, bringing joy to rodeo crowds across the country. But for him, Central Oregon remains something special.

“Each of our rodeos in Central Oregon is so vastly different, but they all contain one important ingredient, and that is the Central Oregon fans that are here for every show. My job? I play with fans. So for me, this is like coming home,” Harrison said.

Part of JJ’s magic lies in his ability to make each performance unique. Whether he’s joking with a local from Crook County or cradling someone’s baby mid-act, it’s his spontaneous, heartfelt humor that wins the crowd over.

“You get a girl from Crook County with a White Claw, and I started talking to her. Somebody handed me a baby. So that’s just the kind of comedy that I love to do. It’s fun! I mean, some of it can be on the edge, but I tell you, people that know me know my heart is as big as my head,” Harrison said.

Behind the laughter and antics, JJ’s dedication to the job is real. He’s performed with serious injuries — just to ensure the show goes on for the fans.

“ You don’t show weakness,” Harrison said. “I’ve rodeoed with a cracked skull. I’ve rodeoed with separated shoulders. My thing is that I want people to think I’m Superman. Some little kid watching me that loves me — I want him to know I’m good. I’m fine. I can cry later in the trailer.”

Though he hasn’t taken home the official title of “Rodeo Clown of the Year,” JJ isn’t in it for the awards. His reward comes from the fans who return year after year to see him perform.

“The reality is, all of those accolades are great. But what keeps me driven is the fans that come to these rodeos I’ve been at year after year. That’s the real mark of a winner. A real mark of a champion in my job, in my opinion, is that sustainability.”

From flying jokes to fearless stunts, JJ Harrison is a central figure in what makes the High Desert Stampede so unforgettable. As the rodeo continues to grow, so does his legacy — one laugh, one cheer, and one unforgettable night at a time.

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, poll, comments from Commissioner Phil Chang)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang says the Forest Service closure of a large area including along China Hat Road is necessary: “It leaves all of those residents, both in the city and outside of the city, way more vulnerable to high-severity fire, destroying their homes and threatening their lives. 

The Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project would close 34,600 acres for at least a year for tree thinning and vegetation burning and removal.

“By doing these fuel treatments, we can protect our homes regardless of the ignition source,” Chang told KTVZ News Friday.

 In an email shared with KTVZ News, Eric Garrity and Chuck Hemingway, the two local homeless advocates trying to pause the closure of China Hat Road, provided updates to county commissioners and the Bend City Council.

Documents obtained by KTVZ News also show possible legal action from the National Homelessness Law Center to end the Forest Service’s plans.

The closure includes one of the Bend area’s largest homeless encampments off China Hat Road, giving hundreds of homeless a May 1 deadline to move out.

Garrity writes in the email, “I don’t know what Bend would look like if the Trump administration’s plans are implemented, but I hope that the City of Bend and Deschutes County will join our efforts to protect our most vulnerable community members and our precious forests.”

Garrity references President Donald Trump’s recent order to reopen logging in national forests, including in Oregon, saying it would cause “significant and irreparable harm on our local community. “

Another document shows Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes responding to Garrity and Hemingway’s letter to end the project, saying, “The unauthorized encampments within the Cabin Butte Project area are not a legal use of public lands. And the unauthorized encampments do not change the purpose and need of the project.”

But Chang says the federal agency is not to blame: “The Forest Service is a land management agency. It doesn’t really have the tools to create transitional housing or shelter for people.”

Instead, Chang criticized the county’s and city of Bend’s lack of action to find solutions for the homeless living in the area. 

“I am sympathetic to the idea that we should have created more alternative places for people to go and pathways out of homelessness before we implement this project,” he said. “The reality is that we didn’t, and we need to implement this work at this moment.”

Campers on China Hat Road have shared the same message. Many of the hundreds in the area still don’t know where to go.

Chang told KTVZ News he’s heard fear from residents in and around cities across the county that the China Hat campers will soon move closer, bringing large encampments to their areas.

Some of the affected homeless said they plan to move to Juniper Ridge, Bend’s other large encampment just north of the city. However, the city and county have agreed first move and limit to “temporary safe stay areas” this spring, then close the entire permanently in a year, forcing more homeless to move.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For this month’s Small Business Spotlight, KTVZ is highlighting Bend-based Beardwood Beard Oil, a company specializing in premium beard care products.

“We’re both pretty witty and have a good sense of humor. So we’re like, let’s have fun with this,” said Amy Lovlien, the co-owner of Beardwood, in a recent interview with KTVZ News. “The witty names and also the bottle and the branding, people love it, and they keep coming back for more.”

Amy and Billy Block started Beardwood a year ago.

“We started playing with different types of oils, looking at the benefits of jojoba oil and sunflower oil and the effects on your skin. And so we started playing with combinations and recipes and things like that,” Amy said. “Men don’t realize that you have to nourish your skin, not just the beard. And so I think a lot of the other beard oils, they have the fragrances that contain chemicals, things like that. And we wanted something that was organic and all-natural.”

Amy Lovlien

Combining their talents to bring a unique product to the table.

“(Billy) works in a seed oil company, and he has been using seed oils for years and years…and he’s like, this could be a product,” said Amy. “My background is weddings and events. I was like, ‘Well, we need to make this pretty.’” 

They tested their product out on friends before taking it to the shelves.

Beardwood balm

“They were like, ‘Oh, our beards aren’t getting crusty and they’re not gross.’ And so it was born,” said Amy.

And Billy agrees.

“Since we live here in Central Oregon, I have really, really dry skin. Even my barber, she tells me that she has a lot of people that come in and they have really, really dry skin as well,” Billy said. “I notice using the products that I make, I don’t have any issues. I’m not sitting there scratching my face like a dog.”

Billy Block

The couple says living and working in Central Oregon has been nothing short of a dream come true.

“It’s fun to be able to work your job, but then hit the mountain or go paddle boarding,” Amy said. “And between the two of us, we have three kids, and raising kids here is excellent. So that’s really why we are in Bend. But also the people.”

For more information on Beardwood, click here.

If you have a small business in Central Oregon you would like to highlight, please send us an email at stories@ktvz.com