Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Crook County Foundation invites community members to participate in the 2025 Holiday Partnership, a countywide initiative that provides food, gifts, and holiday support to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

The program has been a valued tradition in Crook County for nearly 30 years and continues to grow through the generosity and involvement of residents. 

In 2024, the Holiday Partnership provided gifts to 564 children and supported over 200 seniors and 42 adults with disabilities. The program also provided food assistance to 364 households, reaching 1,146 people across the community. This effort is made possible by strong community participation, and the Foundation hopes to reach even more families this year. 

The application period closed on November 15.  

Food Support 

“Financial donations are essential to this effort,” said Gwen Carr, Executive Director of the Crook County Foundation. “As the food drive wraps up, monetary support allows us to provide grocery vouchers so families can purchase their holiday meals from local stores. These contributions also strengthen our local food pantry efforts, helping meet the rising need for food support through the end of December.” 

“Together we make the holidays brighter for our neighbors,” Carr said. “Every donation reflects the kindness and generosity that define Crook County.” 

Gift Collection 

Holiday gift trees are located at participating sites throughout Prineville and Powell Butte. Each tree holds tags that represent the holiday wishes of a local child, senior, or adult with disabilities. Community members may take a tag, purchase the requested gift, and return it to the same location by December 15. 

2025 Holiday Gift Tree Locations 

Chase Bank 

Eagles Aerie and Auxiliary 

First Interstate Bank 

Crook County Library 

Nail Barn 

Oregonians Credit Union 

Powell Butte Church 

Posie Shoppe 

Sunrise Pools and Spas 

St. Charles 

U.S. Bank 

Wild Rose Boutique 

GVB Biopharma 

Prineville Senior Center (seniors only) 

How to Participate 

Although the food drive has ended, there are still many ways for community members to support the Holiday Partnership. Individuals can select a gift tag, make a financial contribution, or volunteer.

A full list of gift tree locations and additional opportunities to get involved can be found at www.ccholidaypartnership.com and www.crookcountyfoundation.org. 

The Crook County Foundation extends gratitude to the many volunteers, donors, businesses, churches, and community partners who make the Holiday Partnership possible each year. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Destination Rehab says it’s proud to announce the ongoing success of its innovative Rock Climbing for Parkinson’s Disease program—an eight-week community fitness initiative designed to improve strength, endurance and confidence for adults living with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Hosted at Bend Rock Gym, the program focuses on cardiovascular and strength training while teaching participants the climbing techniques and skills needed to climb independently. Through hands-on instruction and a supportive community, participants gain not only physical benefits but also a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. 

Thanks to a generous grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Rock Climbing for Parkinson’s Disease program was offered free of charge for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive — all eight participant slots are filled, and the program is supported by an enthusiastic team of eight dedicated volunteers. 

Community members and media are invited to see the class in action. There are four sessions remaining, held Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM at Bend Rock Gym, continuing through December 11th. 

Building on this success, Destination Rehab is excited to announce the next round of climbing classes—Rock Climbing for Health—which is open to all neurological diagnosis and will run from March 31 through May 19, 2026, meeting once a week on Tuesdays from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM. Registration will be available soon through Destination Rehab’s website under the Community Programs section. 

For more information or to register for upcoming sessions, please contact Audrey at audrey@destinationrehab.org or call 541-241-6463. 

About Destination Rehab Destination Rehab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with neurologic conditions through adventure, fitness, and community programs. By providing accessible opportunities for physical activity and social connection, Destination Rehab helps participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.  

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools presented its Administrator of the Year award Tuesday to Caldera High School Principal Chris Boyd. Superintendent Steven Cook and other district officials made the surprise presentation during the school day, joined by school staff and hundreds of students.

Boyd has been with Bend-La Pine Schools for 11 years and is in his fifth year as principal at Caldera, the district’s newest school. He has been its principal since the doors opened in the fall of 2021.

“Opening a new school is one of the most complex and demanding challenges in education,” Dr. Cook said. “Chris hasn’t just done it once, he’s done it three times, twice here in Bend-La Pine. And in doing so, he’s built not just schools, but communities. Through every phase of growth, he’s led with vision, care, and a calm, steady hand.”

Boyd also helped open Pacific Crest Middle School as principal in 2015. 

“Chris’s leadership is evident in the programs and traditions that have taken root at Caldera,” Dr. Cook said. “From a thriving performing arts department that fully embraces one of the best facilities in the state, to innovative student-led initiatives like the district’s first Life and Career Readiness event, powered by Caldera’s exceptional DECA program. He is deeply student-focused, seeking their voice to better understand their experiences and hear their ideas to make school more meaningful and inclusive.” 

Dr. Cook was joined Tuesday at Caldera by School Board Chairman Marcus LeGrand and Board Director Shirley Olson, Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk, Executive Director of High Schools Katie Legace, and other District leaders. On behalf of Boyd, representatives of MidOregon Credit Union presented Caldera High School with a $500 check. 

The school district will present two more Excellence in Education awards this week, one for an educator and one for a support staff member. The Excellence in Education awards honor custodians, counselors, kitchen managers, classroom teachers, educational assistants, office managers, bus drivers and other district employees who have had a positive impact on students.

The recognition began last spring, when Bend-La Pine Schools honored dozens of staff members from across the district who distinguished themselves with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community. From that group, 13 finalists have been celebrated this fall.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Road Department has announced the upcoming dedication marking the installation of a new flagpole and plaque at its facility, as a lasting tribute to the dedication and service of its employees — past, present, and future.

The county says the flagpole “will serve as a daily reminder of the critical work performed by the department in maintaining and improving the county’s infrastructure.”

County officials and department leadership say they see the flagpole not only as a symbol of pride but as a meaningful way to recognize the hardworking individuals who have kept Crook County moving safely and efficiently over the years.

“It’s important that we take the time to recognize the dedication and hard work of our road department employees,” said County Commissioner Seth Crawford. “These men and women often work long hours, in all weather conditions, to ensure our roads are safe and well-maintained. This flagpole and plaque are a wonderful way to show our gratitude for their past, present, and future service to the county.”

The project was initiated by road department employee Erick Kufeldt as a way to build morale and honor the legacy of those who have served in the past, while also inspiring those who continue the mission today.

“This flagpole represents more than just a physical addition to our facility — it’s a symbol of pride and appreciation,” said Road Superintendent Brad Haynes. “Every person who has worked for the Crook County Road Department has contributed to the strength and reliability of our community. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and preserving that legacy.”

The dedication ceremony for the new flagpole is scheduled for next Monday, November 24 at 1:00  PM at the Crook County Road Department located at 1306 N. Main Street in Prineville

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Added Video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Portland State University’s Population Research Center just released their July 1st annual population estimates for the state and its counties and cities, with most numbers showing small but steady growth.

PSU produces the yearly estimates as directed by state law, using various data, from births and deaths to school enrollment, driver’s licenses and housing-unit surveys of city and counties. They play a role in how revenue is distributed and other government actions.

Preliminary estimates are released in mid-November and local jurisdictions get a chance to review them and seek any revisions before the estimates are certified in mid-December.

Overall, the estimates show that Oregon’s population grew by 15,157 residents, to total 4,300,422, a small increase of just over one-third of a percent.

Deschutes County’s population rose by 2,764 residents to an estimated 213,886 in the past year, for an increase of 2,764 residents, or 1.3%. While a fairly small number, it’s still a higher growth rate than the state as a whole.

PSU’s Crook County July 1 population estimate of 26,760 is 271 residents more than a year earlier, growth of about 1%.

Jefferson County, meanwhile, is not far behind Crook, with 25,768 residents as of July 1, which added 137 people, or just over a half-percent from mid-2024.

Looking at the region’s cities, PSU estimates Bend added 1,527 residents in the past year, for a new estimate of 107,079, an increase of 1.46%.

Bend Senior Planner Damian Syrnyk told KTVZ News the latest PSU estimate reflects slower recent population growth than had been forecast earlier by both the city and PSU. City planners had projected a 2025 population of over 109,000, while PSU’s 2025 forecast, made three years ago, was for Bend to grow to 111,062 residents by now.

Syrnyk also noted that Bend’s population growth of 1,527 people represented 55% of the county’s growth over the past year.

Elsewhere, Redmond’s new population estimate of 37,460 residents is a rise of 572 people, or 1.55%.

PSU said Sisters had a July 1 estimated population of 3,834 residents, a modest increase of 71 people, or 1.92%.

La Pine grew by 101 people in the past year, for a region-leading 3.38% growth rate and a total population of 3,223 residents, the new estimates show.

Prineville added 124 residents, or just over 1%, for a new estimated population of 11,716 people.

Madras grew by about the same number – 125 people, or 1.53 percent, to an estimated 8,242 residents. Elsewhere in Jefferson County, Culver added a dozen residents, or .72%, for a population of 1,661.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Tumalo family of five and their pets escaped their burning manufactured home late late Monday night, but were displaced by the blaze that officials traced to a woodstove pipe’s radiant heat.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched at 11:46 p.m. to the fire in a home behind Three Sisters Adventist School, off Tumalo Road, Deputy Fire Marshal Melissa Steele said.

A resident reported being awakened to what sounded like a “hailstorm,” Steele said. She didn’t see any fire inside the home, but when she went outside, she found flames coming from beneath the eaves and roof near the woodstove stovepipe, the fire official said.

The home’s smoke alarms did not sound because there was no smoke in the home, Steele added.

But due to their quick action, five residents, including three children, and several pets were able to quickly escape the home, she said.

Steele said the fire was ignited from the radiant heat of the woodstove pipe that was too close to the wooden facia board of the eaves. The stove pipe melted the vinyl rain gutter and ignited the eaves, which spread to the attic.

The fire was contained and did not spread to the interior of the home, Steele said, but water and roof damage maded the home uninhabitable. 

The building loss was estimated at $65,000 and content losses at $25,000.

“We want to remind residents that having a home fire escape plan can be crucial in being able to escape quickly and safely from a house fire,” Steele said in a news release. “Always have a plan for your family and pets.

For help information in creating, practicing and implementing a home fire escape plan with your family, contact Bend Fire & Rescue.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gas prices remain relatively stable as we approach Thanksgiving. with most states seeing prices change by a nickel or less on the week, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

The national average for regular gas has seen small ups and downs this fall, while the Oregon average has been mostly declining since mid-September and is at its lowest price since March.

However, an outage at the Olympic Pipeline may send gas prices higher in the Pacific Northwest. For the week, the national average for regular ticks up half a cent to $3.08 a gallon. The Oregon average dips three cents to $3.79 a gallon while Bend’s average barely budged, down less than a penny to $3.67 a gallon.

The Olympic Pipeline, the Pacific Northwest’s primary fuel artery, was shut down last week due to a leak near Everett, Washington. BP, the operator of the pipeline, said crews were working to determine the cause.

The system consists of two parallel pipelines in the area, which were completely shut down after the product discharge was discovered, according to a company spokesperson. BP says the pipeline resumed limited operations on Sunday.

The 400-mile pipeline system carries gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from refineries in Washington State to Portland. An outage on the pipeline in September caused gas prices in Oregon and Washington to soar.

“For now, impacts from the latest pipeline shutdown appear to be minimal but that could change depending on how long the outage lasts,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “So far, the Oregon average has only risen about a cent since the outage occurred. That’s good news for drivers who are expected to hit the road in record numbers for Thanksgiving.

AAA expects record travel for Thanksgiving 2025, with 81.8 million Americans (23.9% of the population) including about 1.17 million Oregonians heading over the river and through the woods for turkey and all the trimmings. This is a 2% increase over last year. Nearly 90% of travelers will drive, more than 7% will fly, and the rest will go by bus, train or take a cruise. Find all the details in the AAA Thanksgiving travel news release.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.79. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.08. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.036 on October 19 and 20.

This week two Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to four a week ago:

Multnomah $4.

Wallowa $4.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline demand increased from 8.87 million b/d to 9.03 million b/d for the week ending November 7. This compares to 9.38 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 206 million barrels to 205 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.9 million barrels per day compared to 9.8 million the previous week. 

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures.

The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1.

Switch-over dates are earlier in California, with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) has been in the upper $50s and lower $60s this fall. WTI rose above $60 on October 23 for the first time since October 10 and remained above $60 until closing at $59.60 on November 5. Crude climbed above $60 again last week as a deal was struck to end the U.S. government shutdown.

WTI has been mostly in the low-$60s to mid-$70s since September 2024. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies.

Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production.

The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August 2024.

Crude oil is trading around $60 today, compared to $61 a week ago and $69 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, there were concerns that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region.

Crude oil prices declined after October’s fragile peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But this year, the cartel has boosted production starting by 411,000 barrels per day in May, June, and July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, 547,000 barrels per day in September, and 137,000 barrels per day in October, November and December.  

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 48% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 18% is refining, 18% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at or near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country rose from 13.651 million barrels per day to 13.862 for the week ending October 31. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 23 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Nevada (-10 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Delaware (+9 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the nation.

California ($4.65) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the ninth week in a row. Washington took over the top spot for a week in September when the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. This week, Hawaii ($4.48) is second, and Washington ($4.18) is third. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 21 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 26 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.53) and Mississippi ($2.61). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.12 this week, compared to $2.14 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 22 states with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is four cents more and the Oregon average is 24 cents less than a month ago. This is the second-largest month-over-month decline for a state in the nation, behind Washington (-24 cents). Michigan (+29 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation.

Oregon is one of 22 states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is nearly one cent more, while the Oregon average is 26 cents more. Oregon has the second-largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Alaska (+27 cents) has the largest increase. Colorado (-22 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 11/18/2025

1
California
$4.65

2
Hawaii
$4.48

3
Washington
$4.18

4
Nevada
$3.88

5
Oregon
$3.79

6
Alaska
$3.76

7
Arizona
$3.37

8
Idaho
$3.30

9
Pennsylvania
$3.29

10
District of Columbia
$3.23

As mentioned above, California is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the ninth week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Alaska and Arizona round out the top seven. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the third week in a row.

Five of the seven West Coast states have week-over-week decreases. Nevada (-10 cents) has the largest week-over-week drop in the region and the nation. California (-5 cents), Alaska (-4 cents), Washington (-4 cents), and Oregon (-3 cents) also have week-over-week declines. Hawaii (+1 cent) and Arizona (+2/10ths of a cent) have tiny week-over-week increases.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast ticked up from 73.4% to 73.5% for the week ending November 7. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate jumped from 86.0% to 89.4%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region fell from 28.31 million bbl. to 27.29 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices have been fairly steady in the last week as investors weigh ongoing oversupply concerns with the impact of U.S. sanctions on Russian producers, which would tighten global supplies.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 6.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 427.6 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $1.40 to close at $60.09. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 18 cents to settle at $59.91. Today crude is trading around $60 compared to $61 a week ago. Crude prices are about $9 less than a year ago. ($69.16 on November 18, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Road Department crews closed the gates to the Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road for the winter Tuesday morning.

During the winter and early spring, accumulated snow can reach five to 10 feet, making it too costly to keep the roads plowed, county officials said.

Both roads will stay closed until county road crews can clear the snow in the spring. They typically reopen before Memorial Day, weather permitting.   

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ). — Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair announced this morning her intentions of running for the republican nomination for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District Representative.

The current seat holder is Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, who won her 2024 election against Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-Deremer.

See Patti Adair’s Press Release below:

Today, Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair declared her candidacy for the Republican nomination for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. Announcing her candidacy, Commissioner Adair stated the following:

“I am a proud mother, wife, businesswoman, philanthropist, and Deschutes County Commissioner who has spent my entire life in the service of others. From being involved in 4-H growing up, to raising millions of dollars for schools, hospitals, and other charitable causes across the West Coast, to representing over 200,000 of my neighbors on the Deschutes County Commission, I have always cared deeply about my community and improving people’s lives. That is why I am running for U.S. Congress: because I love Oregon and Oregon deserves representation that will actually deliver for us in Washington D.C. 

I am running for Congress because I understand firsthand the challenges that families and communities in the 5th Congressional District are facing. I am running for Congress to address rising electricity costs, to help make healthcare more accessible and affordable for working-class families, to support sustainable management of our natural resources, and to support policies that help businesses thrive in Oregon.

I am running for Congress because the 5th District needs a proven problem-solver in D.C, not an extreme partisan like our current Representative. Throughout my career, I have always focused on uniting people to deliver solutions to the problems facing our community. In Congress, I will do the same. 

In Congress, I will work across party lines to deliver real results that improve the lives of Oregonians across the 5th District. Unlike our current Representative, I will put people and problem-solving first, not partisanship and obstructionism. 

Time and time again, our current Representative has proven that she is extreme and out of touch. She voted to shut down the government and voted against a bipartisan bill to reopen it. She voted against paying our troops, federal law enforcement, and federal employees. She voted against funding SNAP and Head Start, as well as against important grants that support our first responders. Because of her partisan obstructionism, Oregonians and their families have needlessly suffered. Our district deserves better.

The 5th Congressional District deserves a truly independent leader with courage who will fight for us in D.C. and deliver. I am that leader.”

Endorsements 

Commissioner Adair is excited to announce the support of the following local leaders:

State Representative Bobby Levy

State Representative Alek Skarlatos

State Representative Kevin Mannix

Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink 

Harney County Commissioner Patty Dorroh 

Polk County Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst 

Deschutes County Treasurer Bill Kuhn

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — SELCO Community Credit Union has awarded more than $80,000 to 40 Oregon educators, including six programs from Central Oregon, as part of SELCO’s Creative Educator Grants program.  

Creative Educator Grants—which provide as much as $2,500 per recipient—are designed for K-12 educators with creative classroom ideas who need funding to get those projects off the ground. This year, SELCO awarded $80,268 in grants to teachers representing 38 schools across the state.   

To better support educators who increasingly dip into their own pockets to pay for classroom-related expenses, Creative Educator Grants have more than doubled in value since the program was revamped as part of SELCO’s Steps Up initiative, which launched in 2024. As a result, SELCO received 281 applications for this year’s grants, with recipients from 14 different Oregon counties, the most in program history.  

Grant recipients represent a wide range of programs, from an entrepreneurial dog treat project at Pacific Crest Elementary in Bend to a community water testing lab at Junction City High School that will teach students how to be citizen scientists. Other projects include a “Sauvie Island Cookbook,” which will connect students at Sauvie Island School northwest of Portland with the traditions and history of the island’s people. 

“Through Creative Educator Grants, we aim to support teachers who are continually trying to reach students in unique and interesting ways,” said Craig Carpenter, SELCO’s senior vice president of lending and business banking. “Year after year, we’re amazed by the wealth of innovative ideas. As a credit union founded by educators, SELCO will remain committed to helping these passionate teachers make learning meaningful and fun.” 

This year’s recipients include six educators from Central Oregon: 

Create in 3D — Natalie Richards, Tom McCall Elementary, Bend 

Equitable Student Government & Live Student Podcast — Brettney Bryant, High Desert Middle School, Bend 

Golden Eagle Kitchen to Career — Christina Holler, Pacific Crest Middle School, Bend 

Adaptive Play Equipment — Marnie Freilinger, Rosland Elementary School, La Pine 

Cardio Drumming — Michelle Holliday, Powell Butte Community Charter School, Powell Butte 

First Grade CKLA Curriculum Enrichment — Aurora Smith, Sage Elementary School, Redmond 

Literacy Without Limits: Dyslexia Book Project — Susan Gotshall, John Tuck Elementary, Redmond 

A complete list of recipients and project descriptions can be found HERE.  

To choose the recipients of this year’s grants, a selection panel scored applications based on project originality, proposal clarity, number of students affected, and potential for skill development. 

As a grant recipient in 2024, Jenifer Gerlach, the music instructor at Prairie Mountain School in Eugene, purchased ukuleles for her classroom. 

“When a student can play an instrument, it creates neuropathway connections that they will use the rest of their lives,” Gerlach said. “If I can get more neuropathways created just through having fun with ukuleles, that’s a win.” 

SELCO will also soon announce the winners of three Regional Classroom Makeovers, a program that launched in 2024 and awards as much as $15,000 to each recipient to transform their learning environments.  

For more information about Creative Educator Grants, past grant recipients, or SELCO’s student and educator support programs, visit www.selco.org/steps-up/. Images of past winners can be FOUND HERE. 

About SELCO Steps Up: 

The SELCO Steps Up program aims to create positive, innovative, lasting change through volunteerism, resource support, and collaboration with community partners. In 2024, SELCO reinvested nearly $415,000 in the communities it serves through educator grants, scholarships, and impact-driven sponsorships. SELCO staff also committed nearly 1,400 volunteer hours last year alone. As a credit union founded by teachers, education is a cornerstone of these efforts, with a focus on removing barriers to financial literacy. By empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being, SELCO strives to build a strong foundation for all its members and neighbors. Learn more at www.selco.org/steps-up. 

About SELCO Community Credit Union: 

Founded nearly 90 years ago by a group of fiscally minded teachers, Springfield-based SELCO Community Credit Union today serves more than 150,000 members as one of the largest and longest-standing Oregon-based credit unions. A not-for-profit, federally insured, member-driven financial cooperative with more than $2.8 billion in assets, SELCO provides its member-owners with exceptional rates and low fees on a full range of financial products and services, including banking, mortgages, personal and business loans, investments, and insurance. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of the 27 Oregon or eight Washington counties SELCO serves. For more information or to become a member today, stop by one of SELCO’s 15 branches, visit selco.org, or call 800-445-4483. 

Click here to follow the original article.