Category: ktvz-local-news

KOBI

This article was written by Maximus Osburn with KOBI-5:

OREGON – The Oregon Hunters Association received $50,000 to combat a ballot initiative that would effectively criminalize hunting, fishing and more in Oregon.

IP28, the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE Act), intends to remove many of the current exemptions from Oregon’s animal cruelty laws. It argues that Oregonians can choose alternate ways to meet our needs without reliance on abuse.

The Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) say this would be damaging to many Oregonians’ way of life. It received $50,000 from the National Shooting Sports Foundation to combat IP28. They intend to use the funds by educating the public through commercials, websites, ads and more. Executive Director at the OHA, Todd Adkins said,

“They mislead folks who sign it. They say, ‘we want to end animal cruelty.’ They don’t tell you what they’re actually after and that’s essentially the way of life all of us have come to know and love here in Oregon, it’s just part of our culture, it’s just part of everyday living. There won’t be any of us who aren’t negatively impacted by this if it passes.”

IP28 needs 117,000 signatures verified by July before it can qualify for the November ballot. The official website’s last update puts the number of signatures at over 102,000. NBC5 reached out to those behind IP28 for more information but haven’t heard back.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A crowd of community members, environmental advocates, and local leaders filled the atrium at Oregon State University–Cascades Monday evening, weighing in on the future of some of Oregon’s most untouched public lands.

The town hall, held April 6, focused on the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a federal policy that has limited logging and road construction in designated forest areas for more than two decades. The meeting comes as efforts continue at the federal level to roll back those protections.

Hosted by a coalition of groups including the Sierra Club Oregon Chapter, Central Oregon LandWatch and Oregon Wild, the Bend event was part of a broader national push to gather public input after a previous federal comment period lasted just three weeks, far shorter than is typical.

What the meeting focused on

The evening began with a “Roadless 101” presentation, giving attendees a breakdown of how the rule works and what could change if it’s repealed.

From there, the event shifted into what organizers called an “Action Hour.” Attendees gathered in small groups and sat down at writing stations to draft public comments ahead of an expected federal comment period.

Organizers said the goal was simple: make it easy for people to understand the issue and speak up while there’s still time.

Why the Roadless Rule matters

First put in place in 2001, the Roadless Rule protects nearly 45 million acres of national forest land across the country. In Oregon, it covers more than two million acres, including over 200,000 acres in Central Oregon that could be affected by changes.

In Bend, the rule helps safeguard the city’s municipal watershed, about 15,000 acres that serve as the primary source of drinking water. By limiting logging and road construction in that area, the rule plays a key role in maintaining water quality.

Advocates also point to wildlife and recreation. Roadless areas provide habitat for species like elk, mule deer, salmon, and wolves, while also offering backcountry access for hunting, fishing, and hiking.

When it was first introduced, more than 600 public hearings were held nationwide, generating roughly 1.6 million comments, about 95% in favor of protecting roadless areas.

More recently, when a repeal was proposed last fall, more than 200,000 comments were submitted despite the shortened three-week window. According to advocacy groups, more than 99% opposed the rollback.

Opposition from timber and logging

Critics say the policy limits access to millions of acres of forest that could otherwise support logging jobs and local economies. In areas where timber has historically been a major employer, like Eastern Oregon, some argue the rule has contributed to mill closures and fewer opportunities for workers tied to the industry. They see roadless restrictions as a barrier to responsibly harvesting wood products that are still in demand.

Others in opposition focus on forest management, arguing that limiting road access makes it harder to carry out thinning projects meant to reduce wildfire risk. They say being able to build temporary roads and remove excess timber could help prevent large, catastrophic fires, something that has become a growing concern across the West.

Supporters of rolling back the rule also argue that more active management could improve overall forest health, while giving local and state leaders more say in how nearby public lands are used.

What’s at stake

Advocates say removing the rule could open currently protected lands to logging, mining, and oil and gas development.

Those lands include some of the last remaining undeveloped forest areas in the country, places that provide critical habitat and migration corridors for wildlife, along with clean water sources and recreation opportunities.

With another federal comment period expected, organizers say they hope the turnout in Bend is a sign that people are paying attention and ready to weigh in.

https://squareoffs.com/KTVZ/do-you-support-keeping-federal-protections-that-limit-logging-in-national-forests

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police arrest a Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver, accused of driving under the influence while on duty.

What a transportation employee discovered after a reported bus issue—and how it led to a DUII and reckless endangering arrest.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will be reporting live in Bend today with a full report of the incident during our 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts on our FOX and NBC affiliates.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding statement from Bend La-Pine Schools and info about them notifying the 18 families the day after it happened).

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver is accused of driving under the influence after transporting elementary students last week, according to Bend Police.

Police say 67-year-old Martha Ann Gerlicher of Bend faces charges of DUII and reckless endangering following the April 3 incident involving a route connected to Pine Ridge Elementary School.

According to investigators, Gerlicher had already completed an afternoon route for Pine Ridge Elementary, carrying 18 students, before heading to High Desert Middle School to begin another run. She reported possible brake issues with the bus, prompting a transportation supervisor to respond.

The supervisor found no mechanical problems but instead suspected Gerlicher was impaired. She was immediately removed from duty and taken to a private facility for testing, which showed high levels of alcohol, police said.

The school district later contacted non-emergency dispatch around 6:45 p.m. Officers responded to Gerlicher’s home, where she was arrested. About seven hours after the initial test, her blood alcohol content measured 0.16%, roughly twice the legal limit, according to police.

In a statement, Bend-La Pine Schools emphasized that no students were physically harmed, but acknowledged the concern caused by the incident.

“The safety of students is always our top priority. The District has zero tolerance for behavior that endangers the well-being of children,” the district said.

Officials added that families of the 18 elementary students who were on the bus that afternoon were notified the following day. “It was important that they hear directly from us about this as soon as possible,” the statement said.

The district confirmed Gerlicher has been placed on leave pending further action.

Some parents and community members have questioned why the incident is only now becoming public, several days later.

Communications Director Scott Maben said the district notified families of the 18 students the following day.

“On Saturday we informed the families of the 18 elementary students who were aboard the bus that afternoon,” Maben said. “It was important that they hear directly from us about this as soon as possible. I can’t speak to the timing of the police news release today.”

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon-based lifestyle brand Portland Gear is set to expand beyond its home market this spring, announcing plans to open a new retail location in Bend’s Old Mill District.

The store, which will occupy the former Wild Child space at 450 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 403, marks the company’s first brick-and-mortar location outside the Greater Portland area. The addition will bring travel gear, luggage, and apparel offerings to one of Central Oregon’s busiest retail corridors.

The company was founded more than a decade ago by Portland native Marcus Harvey. It began as a grassroots operation, with Harvey selling branded T-shirts and hats from the back of his van. You might recognize the “P” logo, which incorporates the outline of Oregon. It helped the brand build a loyal regional following.

“We started with apparel, but our water-resistant backpack really changed everything for us,” said Kameesha Rose, the head of people and operations for the company. “From there, we grew into luggage, travel bags, and everyday gear. We’ve always been rooted in community, and Bend felt like a natural next step for us.”

Rose said the company has been looking to expand beyond Portland and identified Bend, specifically the Old Mill District, as the right fit. 

The new store, located between Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe and Sunglass Hut, will feature the brand’s signature bags and travel gear alongside apparel. It will also include Central Oregon-specific designs available exclusively at the Bend location.

The Bend location aims to open by Memorial Day weekend. The company is currently hiring local staff and plans to host an official grand opening later this year.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The missing juvenile, Marcus Carmicle, was located on Tuesday, April 7th, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) announced.

The department shared their thanks for the community’s support in finding the child quickly.

Full statement below:

“The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.”

Earlier Story — SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division is seeking public assistance in locating Marcus Taylor Carmicle, age 12, who went missing from Milwaukie on April 6th. They are believed to be in danger.

Marcus is suspected to be in the Milwaukie area.

Child Legal Name: Marcus Taylor Carmicle

Child Preferred Name: Marcus

Pronouns: he/him

Age: 12

Height: 5’8

Weight: Average build, 130 pounds

Hair color: Dark/black hair

Eye color: brown eyes

Specific Identifying Characteristics: He was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and a black head wrap

Milwaukie Police Department Case# 26-1787

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2083327

Date Missing: April 6, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Trimet stops, Milwaukie area

You’re asked to contact 911 or local law enforcement if you believe you have seen Marcus or know their whereabouts.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in Central Oregon have something special to look forward to this week. On Thursday, April 9th, the local fly fishing community will gather in Bend for an evening that blends camaraderie, craft, and conservation.

The Fly Fishing Social will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hawkeye & Huckleberry, creating a relaxed space for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to connect.

For $50, attendees receive a well-rounded experience that includes a beer from Upp Liquids and whole roasted pig sliders prepared by Hawkeye’s chef, Carlos Anthony. Each ticket also comes with a raffle entry, with prizes ranging from guided fishing trips to gear and other outdoor essentials.

Beyond the food and drinks, the event offers plenty of opportunities to engage with the fly fishing community. Guests can tie flies, exchange tips, and spend time with fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for the sport and the rivers that sustain it.

Click here for more information.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At Worthy Brewing in Bend, sustainability is showing up in both the brewery’s hops and the produce grown for its menu.

The brewery says many of its hops come from Indy Hops, an Oregon-based company that works with growers using environmentally responsible practices. Some of those hops are certified through Salmon-Safe, a program that recognizes farms and other land uses that adopt science-based methods to reduce pollution, manage stormwater and improve water quality to help protect salmon habitat. Salmon-Safe also says its beer-related program highlights craft brewers sourcing certified hops and malts from Northwest watersheds.

“We primarily use a lot of hops grown here in the state of Oregon. Through Indy Hops is one of them — especially where they have Salmon Safe certification which helps with reducing erosion as well as pesticide use which make it safe for salmon and other aquatic life,” said Worthy Brewing’s Brewmaster, Nick Robbins.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture says it regulates pesticide sale, use and distribution under Oregon’s Pesticide Control law, along with federal pesticide rules. The agency says every pesticide sold in Oregon must be registered, labels are legally enforceable, and some products require applicator licensing and certification before they can be used.

ODA also says it monitors compliance through applicator and dealer record reviews, marketplace checks and complaint follow-up. The agency says it has a hop testing program and can investigate if a complaint arises, including testing for suspected adulteration under state law if a product contains an unsafe level of pesticide residue.

The department says hops, like other raw agricultural commodities, must meet pesticide tolerance standards established by law before they can enter the food or feed supply. Restricted-use pesticides require licensing, and ODA says it also provides outreach to growers and pesticide users on label interpretation and drift prevention.

At Worthy’s restaurant and garden, the same focus on responsible growing extends to the kitchen.

Farm Manager Jessica Walker says the garden supplies ingredients used on the menu, including chives for fries, arugula for salads, beets, garlic and sunflower seeds. She says she avoids heavy pesticides whenever possible and instead uses predator insects, water sprays and, when needed, organic or non-toxic insecticides.

Walker said one of the products she uses has a powdery texture that can damage insects when it is dry. “has really sharp points on it. If you touch this, it’s actually really nice and powdery to us. But for insects it just cuts them to pieces, especially if the sap is dry. If it’s wet, it doesn’t work as well.”

Worthy Brewing says the goal is to grow ingredients in a way that supports both the food it serves and the environment surrounding it, while leaning on Oregon-grown hops and locally produced garden items.

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Tyson Beauchemin

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) –A new medical spa is opening in Madras on 4th Street.

Revivo Med Spa is the creation of Dr. Patricia Spencer. Doctor Spenser has had a medical practice in Madras for some time, and she saw a big demand for beauty treatments. What started as a side business once or twice a week has become her main focus.

With the help of her assistant aesthetician Kairi Alire they’ve opened this new spa. Together, they offer Botox, Juvéderm, and other skin treatments with a personal touch.

Doctor Spencer shared her passion for her patients with KTVZ, “Patients that are 80-90 years old and they just love coming here. Because you just give them back a little bit of that youth, and making the feel match what you feel inside – to show up outside. So that makes a big difference. And they really do love us, and we love them. ”

They are so committed to forming a relationship with their customers that they spend extra time with every client. Revivo Med Spa even has maps of places in Madras people can visit before and after their appointments.

Their grand opening in next Wednesday, April 15, from 4 pm till 6pm. There will be food, raffles, and representatives from beauty companies there. If you’ve been considering Botox or filler, the event will be a perfect time to ask questions and get info.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday, April 14th, Ben & Jerry’s is throwing its annual Free Cone Day celebration, serving up free scoops of ice cream to fans around the world.

During the much-loved tradition, Ben & Jerry’s aims to spread some joy across the globe, one ice cream-filled cone at a time. 

Last year, fans showed up in record numbers, helping Ben & Jerry’s scoopers serve up over 1 million scoops of free ice cream! This year, the store says, “We want to go just as big, giving thanks to our fans with as much joy as possible in the form of chunky, swirly flavors.” 

“Free Cone Day has always been about gratitude – we want to thank our fans for being the best fans in the world with free ice cream and a moment of pure joy,” said Luann Abrams, owner of the Old Mill Ben & Jerry’s. “This year, more than ever, we’re reminded how powerful those small moments of happiness can be. We can’t wait to connect with our fans over a scoop of ice cream on the most Ben & Jerry-est day of the year!” 

As in previous years, our local Ben & Jerry’s will be partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend to spread awareness of their exceptional programming and team of youth development professionals helping children develop leadership, healthy lifestyles, and academic success.   

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend CEO Michael Baker said, “This type of support is exactly why Ben and Jerry’s is such a good corporate citizen. Through Luann and her team’s generosity, we will be able to help more members, more often with deeper impact.”  

Baker and other BGCB staff and Board members will be joining in on the fun, scooping ice cream all day from noon to 8 p.m. 

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