Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

(UPDATE – February 1st: power outage caused by Mylar balloon according to Pacific Power)

(UPDATE: power has been restored to all affected residents)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Mylar balloon caused a power outage affecting 1,615 Pacific Power customers on Bend’s northeast side Saturday evening, but service has been fully restored, this according to the electric utility company.

Incident timeline

The outage struck the 97701 ZIP code area, first reported at 6:47 p.m. PST on January 31. Crews arrived quickly, identified a helium-filled Mylar balloon tangled on a power line, removed it, and restored power just after 11 p.m. that night.​

Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are shiny, non-stretchable, and durable items made from metallic BoPET film (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Their conductive surface can short-circuit lines when they drift into them via helium lift.

​Why Mylar balloons are a hazard

These balloons frequently cause outages nationwide, as their metallic coating conducts electricity and sparks on contact with power lines. Pacific Power and other utilities report thousands of such incidents yearly, sometimes affecting thousands of customers or igniting fires. In Oregon, similar events have hit areas like Hood River and Burns.

Local impacts included flickers near Butler Market Road and High Desert Lane.

​Safety tips

Never release foil balloons outdoors—deflate and trash them.

Report stray balloons or downed lines to Pacific Power at 888-763-4232 or text OUT to 722797.

Check the outage map at pacificpower.net/outages.​

No injuries or further disruptions were reported. KTVZ News will monitor for updates.

Status update:

KTVZ News has reviewed Pacific Power’s outage map which says all residents who had lost power and affected by the power outage on Saturday, has been restore.

KTVZ has reached out to Pacific Power for the cause of the outage. Watch this space for any new updates.

Earlier report:

Pacific Power is investigating a power outage impacting 1,615 customers on the northeast side of Bend in ZIP code 97701. The outage was first reported at 6:47 p.m. today, with crews notified and working to restore service before 10 p.m. tonight.

Outage Information:

Customers affected: 1,615

Location: Northeast Bend (97701)

First report: 6:47 p.m. PST

Estimated restoration: Before 10 p.m. PST

Status: Crews on site, cause under investigation​

Local reports confirm flickers and outages near areas like Butler Market and High Desert Lane, with Pacific Power estimating full restoration soon.

​What to Know:

Residents should check the Pacific Power outage map or text OUT to 722797 for updates. Stay clear of downed lines and report issues promptly. Power outages in Bend have occurred recently due to equipment issues or weather, but this one’s cause remains unknown.

KTVZ News will update as crews provide more info.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 34-year-old Bend man was arrested Saturday afternoon after police say he rode his motorcycle recklessly near a downtown protest, blocked traffic, and tried to elude officers.

According to Bend Police, the incident happened around 3:51 p.m. near Northwest Wall Street and Franklin Avenue, where a protest was taking place on all four corners of the intersection. Officers say a motorcyclist, later identified as Kurt Patrick Greenwood, was doing laps through the intersection, blocking traffic and endangering demonstrators.

Officers attempted to stop Greenwood a short distance from the protest, but police say he sped away eastbound on Franklin Avenue at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the motorcycle through the busy area in accordance with department policy.

Minutes later, Greenwood reportedly returned to the intersection and again began circling through traffic. Officers, still in the area, positioned near NW Wall Street and Franklin Avenue to conduct a traffic stop. When Greenwood became stuck in traffic on Wall Street, officers approached and stopped him.

Police say Greenwood refused to get off his motorcycle, so officers removed him and detained him on the ground. He initially resisted arrest but was subdued without further force. Police say Greenwood was not injured during the arrest.

He was taken to the Deschutes County Jail and booked on suspicion of Disorderly Conduct II, Eluding a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest. He was also cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Improper Display of Validating Stickers, and Driving Uninsured.

Police say Greenwood’s motorcycle was impounded because he did not have insurance. Wall Street was temporarily blocked while officers made the arrest.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Veterans’ mental and physical health remains a major concern.

According to a 2023 Veterans Affairs report, roughly 31% of veterans using VA care have a mental health diagnosis.

Lou Bauer, a ski instructor and U.S. Army veteran, told KTVZ, “For me, the transition from bullets flying to civilian life was difficult. I came back a changed person from war — with PTSD and a lot of just crazy thoughts in my head.”

Bauer served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, including four combat deployments. Like many veterans, he struggles with anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

With the help of Oregon Adaptive Sports, Bauer and several other veterans have been able to take to the slopes and enjoy the great outdoors.

Bauer and his friend Javier Romo teamed up to create the Tributary Foundation to help veterans who suffer from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain — all while improving regulation, stability, connection, and purpose, with the ultimate goal of reducing the staggering number of veteran suicides each year.

“We create events in the outdoors that bring all those things together,” said Romo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “It’s winter, we’re out here snowboarding and skiing, and it’s an active form of meditation and mindfulness — all things that help improve those four pillars we’re aiming to address.”

For 19 years, Veterans Ski Weekend has brought together young and old veterans alike — from first-time skiers to seasoned pros — all enjoying every run they take.

Jerry Schwarz, a U.S. Army veteran, told KTVZ, “My first time, I was a little tentative because with my injury, I didn’t really know how to shift. It was a little painful at first, but once I got used to it, I’ve been all day saying ‘higher, faster’ as much as I can.”

“They’ll take care of you, and you get to learn about the trials and tribulations that other veterans are going through,” said another U.S. Army veteran, Dennis Hooper.

All Romo and Bauer want is to get veterans outside — and to help save more veterans’ lives.

Bauer said, “We’re like, let’s put down the gun, let’s put down the bottle, let’s put down the depression — and let’s go ski.”

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health help, call 988

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County officials are preparing for a full closure of the Lake Creek Bridge as they move into the next phase of repair work. The county expects the timbers needed to replace the existing bridge to arrive next week.

Once the materials are on site, the bridge will close beginning February 2 and is expected to remain closed for about one week, as long as weather cooperates and there are no unforeseen setbacks.

Detours will be in place during the closure to route drivers around the work zone, and travelers are encouraged to plan extra time and use alternate routes until the bridge reopens.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville police stop early Saturday morning led officers and Crook County Sheriff’s deputies on a brief pursuit.

Around 1:46 a.m., a Prineville officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, leading to a chase. The driver led police through the parking lot of Crook County High School, down an alley and eventually crashed through a wooden fence in southeast Prineville.

Police terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns and the driver’s recklessness. Officers later found the vehicle abandoned in southeast Prineville, and it has been impounded.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Read the Full Press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prineville Police Department

Date: 01/31/26

Incident Type: Felony Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Criminal Mischief II and Failure to Perform Duties/Property Damage.

Date and Time of Incident:

01/31/26 at around 1:46 am.

Location of Incident:

SE Knowledge St. Prineville

Narrative of Incident:

On 01/31/26, at around 1:46 am, a Prineville Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver Ford F-350 in the area of SE Knowledge St.  The driver failed to yield leading Prineville Police and Crook County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a pursuit.

The driver led police through the parking lot of Crook County High School, an alley and eventually crashing through a wooden fence in southeast Prineville.  Officers and deputies terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns and the recklessness of the driver.  Officers later located the vehicle abandoned in the southeast area of Prineville.  The vehicle was impounded.

Prineville Police Department is not aware of any injuries as a result.  However, multiple victims had damage to their property.  At this time the investigation is on-going and no additional information will be released.  If anyone has additional information or video of the incident to report please contact the case agent below.  The Prineville Police Department would like to thank the Oregon State Police for their assistance as well.

Prepared and Released by: Detective Sergeant Jordan Zamora

Case agent: Officer Zarom Bruce

Click here to follow the original article.

Campbell Porter

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School District is celebrating excellence in education after nominating three of its outstanding staff members for prestigious statewide awards.

Each nominee represents the dedication and heart that define the district’s educators:

Kimberly Bonner – Nominated for Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year

Kim Crofcheck – Nominated for Oregon Teacher of the Year

Kim Griffin – Nominated for Oregon Educator Support Professional of the Year

On a facebook post, the district wrote, “These three amazing educators serve with heart, dedication, and professionalism, making a lasting difference every single day. We are honored to have them as part of the Crook County School District team.”

Community members are encouraged to show their support by submitting their own nominations for these educators, or any other exceptional Crook County School District staff member, through the official Oregon Department of Education nomination forms:

Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year

Oregon Teacher of the Year

Oregon Educator Support Professional of the Year

The district invites everyone to join in recognizing the remarkable educators who make a daily impact in Crook County’s classrooms and beyond.

Click here to follow the original article.

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Our Pay It Forward program recognizes people who make our community a better place to live. Tonight, we introduced you to someone who’s devoted decades to helping others find common ground.

For 28 years, Charlie Young has volunteered as a mediator for the Deschutes County Courts. Mediation offers a legal alternative to trial — instead of taking a dispute before a judge or jury, people can sit down with someone like Young to peacefully work out their differences. The agreements reached in mediation are legally binding, but often the process helps both sides find a middle ground that satisfies everyone involved.

We met Young just after he finished training a new group of volunteer mediators. He explained that one of the most important skills they focus on is building trust and understanding with the people they’re helping.

“Not only do we have to let these people know we’re listening to their perspective,” Young said, “we’re trying to develop a relationship with them so they feel comfortable sharing with us their story.”

Young has even written a book on mediation, which is used as part of the training program in Deschutes County.

As part of our Pay It Forward segment, we surprised him with $500 to give back to the community. He and his wife decided to donate the money to StirrUp Purpose, a local equine therapy organization.

Young said he was more than happy to give the money to a worthy cause — but what he really hopes is that more people will choose to volunteer as mediators.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

(Adding Video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pulitzer Prize–winning author Rick Atkinson, featured in Ken Burns’ PBS documentary The American Revolution, is coming to Bend this spring. He’ll share insights from his work on the film and his acclaimed books about America’s fight for independence during a special event at The Tower Theatre.

Atkinson’s insights in the Ken Burns series stem from his extensive work chronicling America’s past. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight narrative histories covering five American wars, including The Long Gray Line

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There are plenty of events happening this weekend at Mt. Bachelor to keep you busy!

On Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can ski or snowshoe candlelit trails under the stars to music by award-winning pianist, Paula Dreyer.

Enjoy hot drinks and specials at the nordic cafe, explore the trails, and soak in the fresh air in the great outdoors. Costumes, headlamps, and glow-in-the-dark attire are encouraged.

Guests can listen to the concert via wireless headphones on trails within a half mile radius, or acoustically in the lodge by the fire. 

Also happening Saturday–from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Outplay 365 and Full Season Passholders will enjoy exclusive early access to the slopes via Pine Marten chairlift, weather and conditions permitting. Check the Mountain Report for the latest updates on conditions and operations.

Happening Sunday from 10 a.m to 12 p.m, ski or ride down to the bottom of cloud chaser chairlift and enjoy an on-snow pop up event. There will be mimosas, non-alcoholic drinks, and a selection of light, elevated snacks!

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

(Adding video and quotes from Republican Representatives Vikki Breese-Iverson and Mark Owens as well as Senator Mike McLane)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning Monday, the 35 day legislative short session begins.

Among the many issues being addressed are the ongoing ODOT funding, and the major hole within the state budget.

All throughout this week, legislators in our area, as well as across the state, have been holding town halls to meet with and hear from their constituents.

Republican Representatives Vikki Breese-Iverson and Mark Owens as well as Senator Mike McLane spoke to more than two-hundred people, addressing the bills they’re working on, and the issues they’re following closely. 

On ODOT funding Representative Mark Owens said during the Town Hall, “They told us they weren’t going to plow our roads in our white lines. Similar conversation, you’ve heard me say before, are our lives worth less than those living in the metro area? It sure seems like that.”

On state budget cuts Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson said, “I think with with that lens, looking at it, it’s a great place for us to start looking at real reductions and hopefully shrinking government.”

On taxes Senator Mike McLane said, “One is potentially to disconnect from our federal tax code that has the effect of raising taxes pretty significant increase”

With the price of homes continuing to rise, residents all across the state look to their legislators to help address some of these issues.

They range from new legislation on homes, to increasing the exemptions of the estate tax.

The 3 legislators shared their hopes of solving the ongoing housing crisis.

Representatives Vikki Breese-Iverson said, “We have heard for several years now that we need more houses. We need to be able to build in Oregon. Oregon’s land use system isn’t really built for us to be able to easily build homes or for us to be able to expand our communities.”

The 35 day session runs until early march.

Click here to follow the original article.