Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  Some local arts groups are getting some cash.

The “Arts Build Communities” grants fund more than 50 organizations across the state of Oregon.

Here in Central Oregon the High Desert Museum and the Central Oregon Symphony Association each get $5,000.

The museum was singled out for its intergenerational learning film project which raises awareness of contemporary native communities.

The symphony get money to prioritize K-12 students in underserved communities in Madras, Prineville and LaPine.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite this late start to winter, Visit Bend says the region’s winter tourism has not slowed down very much.

It’s not just Central Oregon dealing with a slow start. All Western mountain towns are in need of snow, with snowpack across the state at near-record lows.

But Bend has the advantage of having plenty of other outdoor things to do, even without more snow.

Nate Wyeth, senior vice president of strategy at Visit Bend, told KTVZ news he believes in the area’s strength as an outdoor tourist destination.

“This is one of those situations we’re in right now where you can pack up the entire Subaru and come to Bend, put the bikes on the bike rack, bring the skis, put those on top, bring your hiking shoes, maybe even bring your paddle board if you want it to. The river still flowing,” Wyeth said.

Wyeth is confident in the area’s position as a destination, saying: “We’re really well-situated, and we’re not such a one-trick pony that it means that folks who are dependent on our tourism economy still have the ability to thrive. ”

Visit Bend still has access to some information like lodging numbers. Hotels, and other rentals are only 3 or 4 percent lower than December of 2024.

In fact, some places have discounts and deals on lodging, making this a more affordable time for people to visit.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for its 2026 Sweat Equity Bin Rental Program on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Officials say the program helps local communities remove fire fuels and improve defensible spaces around homes and other structures by covering the cost of trash bin rentals.

Funds set aside for this year’s program will provide rental services to about 25 communities, the county said Thursday.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must work at a neighborhood or community level to reduce wildfire risk. Individual properties are not eligible.

Preference goes to areas identified as having a high wildfire risk, but other review factors include:

Whether the neighborhood or community is a recognized Firewise USA ™ site or is working towards it

The number and/or size of properties participating

Whether the project’s focus is within the 100 ft. defensible space zone

Previous award of bin rental services: Priority is given to communities that haven’t received funding before, but all are encouraged to apply.

Selected neighborhoods and communities won’t receive funds directly. Instead, Deschutes County will manage bin rental contracts with disposal companies and work directly with communities to mitigate wildfire risks.

Communities that are interested in applying for a bin rental service award are asked to submit an application between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28. Recipients will be notified in early April.

For more information about the Sweat Equity Bin Rental Program, please visit the Natural Resources website.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend is inviting community members to attend an informational Design Open House for the 15th Street and Ferguson Road Roundabout Project on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Larkspur Community Center 1600 SE Reed Market Road.

This drop-in event offers community members an opportunity to meet the project team, ask questions, share comments and learn more about proposed improvements.

If you can’t make it in person, the same information will also be available on the project website at bendoregon.gov/15th-ferguson.

The project focuses on enhancing safety and improving traffic flows at this busy intersection. You can sign up to receive project email updates projects and learn more about the project at bendoregon.gov/15th-ferguson.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Pacific Power statement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday, Bend Police announced they are searching for a likely injured suspect in a criminal mischief case following an early Wednesday morning incident in which high-voltage power lines were cut, causing a power outage in the area for several hours.

According to a press release from the agency, on Wednesday shortly before 8 a.m., Pacific Power reported that “high-voltage electrical wires inside a power box located in the 20900 block of NE Talus Place had been cut overnight, likely with bolt cutters.”

Pacific Power estimates the damage to be at least $20,000.

Police believe the attempt to cut through the wires caused a fire and explosion. BPD says the suspect likely sustained severe or possibly life-threatening burns.

Pacific Power provided this statement Thursday to KTVZ News, offering more details on a resulting power outage.

:On Wednesday, January 21, 1,600 customers in Bend experienced a disruption in service starting at 12:30 am and we quickly dispatched crews to assess and begin doing emergency repairs. During the initial assessment, it was discovered that Pacific Power electrical equipment had been tampered with. Power was restored to customers gradually, in steps, and all customers had power restored by 7:30 am.”

Police asked if you have information that could aide in the investigation, you’re asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

Below is the full press release from Bend Police:

“Bend Police are seeking the public’s assistance in a criminal mischief case that involved property damage to a utility box owned by Pacific Power.  

At approximately 7:42 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, Bend Police received a report from Pacific Power that high-voltage electrical wires inside a power box located in the 20900 block of NE Talus Place had been cut overnight, likely with bolt cutters. The box is located behind a locked gate with a “no trespassing” sign on it.  

Bolt cutters were found inside the power box. Pacific Power estimated the damage at $20,000 or more.  

When officers arrived at the scene, the power box was hot and still smoking, and evidence at the scene indicated the attempt to cut through the wires had caused a fire and explosion.  

It is likely the suspect in this incident sustained severe or potentially life-threatening burns.  

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council recognized Human Trafficking Prevention Month at Wednesday night’s meeting, signing a proclamation that calls attention to an issue that can impact any community, including Central Oregon.

City Councilor Mike Riley said trafficking doesn’t just happen elsewhere — it’s a problem that reaches communities across Oregon and the country.“Trafficking really shows up everywhere, and it’s in most, if not many, many, if not most communities across Oregon and even in the country. And so it’s really something we all need to pay attention to,” Riley said.

Human trafficking is often described as a form of modern-day slavery — when someone is exploited for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Experts say traffickers most often target vulnerable people, particularly between the ages of 12 and 17.

Masayo Halpin with In Our Backyard, a Bend-based nonprofit working to end human trafficking, said it rarely looks like the abduction scenarios people might imagine.“When you’re talking about sex in our youth, it’s so—I think a lot of people think it’s an abduction. It’s, you know, the van that comes up and grabs a kid. That’s not sex trafficking in the United States. It’s manipulation,” Halpin said.

In Our Backyard works with Central Oregon students and community members to help them recognize the warning signs. In 2025, the organization educated more than 1,100 local high school students on how to identify trafficking and protect themselves or others.

Sharon Brown, the Portland Hub Leader for In Our Backyard, said traffickers prey on vulnerabilities, often using online platforms to find potential victims.“So they traffic what people’s unmet wants and needs are. And they scour social media to figure out what that might look like,” Brown said.

The nonprofit will also be part of outreach efforts during Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, next month, partnering with local law enforcement and other agencies to raise awareness and help identify victims during one of the nation’s largest events.

The city’s proclamation also recognized several local organizations that work to combat trafficking, including In Our Backyard, Soroptimist International of Bend, and the Anti-Trafficking Project.

Anyone seeking help or more information can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or contact In Our Backyard locally at (541) 639-5008 or inourbackyard.org.

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Claire Elmer

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County School Board and District leaders are asking the community to weigh in as the board considers whether to appoint Dr. Joel Hoff as the district’s permanent superintendent.

The school board opened an anonymous public survey inviting feedback on Hoff’s leadership during his time serving as interim superintendent. District officials say the feedback will play a key role in guiding the board’s final decision.

“What the board directed us to do was to get as much feedback as we could so they can make an informed decision,” said Briana Van Roekel, director of school improvement for Crook County School District. “We again want to hear all voices — from community members, family members, students, staff. So that’s the point of the survey that’s out there right now.”

Crook County School Board Vice Chair, Scott Cooper, said the survey is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

While board members believe Hoff has performed well during his interim term, Cooper said gathering public input helps confirm that sense — or reveal concerns the board may not be aware of.

“The board thought we ought to take a minute and check our perception and make sure that our community is fine,” Cooper said. “If there’s something that we haven’t heard that we should hear that would raise concern, and we think there’s a reason why we ought to have a competitive search out there, we want to hear that, too.”

The survey closes January 26. A summary of the results is expected to be presented publicly at the February school board meeting.

In addition to the survey, the district has scheduled public listening sessions with staff, students, and families to gather more detailed feedback.

“It’s an important position because it is dealing with every family with kids in our community,” Cooper said. “And it’s very community-facing. So we want the right person in there. If you’ve got something to say, now’s the time to speak up.”

Findings from the survey and listening sessions will be shared publicly in March before the board makes its final decision.

The survey is available in both English and Spanish on the Crook County School District website and in provided links throughout this article.

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Triton Notary

(Update: Adding quotes from Governor Tina Kotek, Christine Drazan)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– House Speaker Julie Fahey and Senate President Rob Wagner announced Wednesday they will introduce legislation to set the date of the referendum on House Bill 3991 for May 19, aligning the vote with Oregon’s statewide primary election.

The Democratic leaders said the goal is to let voters weigh in on the transportation funding package as soon as possible, giving lawmakers, cities and counties more certainty about transportation dollars this biennium.

Legislative leaders noted that the Oregon Constitution allows the Legislature to set election dates for initiative and referendum measures, and say transportation policy discussions will continue throughout the year as the state plans for long‑term funding needs. Wagner said voters have made clear they want a say on the bill, and that state and local officials need to understand the funding landscape so “meaningful conversations can continue.”

Governor Tina Kotek responded to the announcement, saying, “Two weeks ago, I was clear with Oregonians about transportation: we must redirect, repeal, and rebuild.”

The Governor added, “The legislature and the constitution will determine how and when repeal occurs. My responsibility remains the same: keep our roads safe, our economy moving, and help deliver a bipartisan long-term transportation solution.”

The May timeline mirrors the last time a transportation funding package was referred to voters, when legislation from the 1999 session went to the ballot in May 2000. Fahey said that in a time of uncertainty, leaders are focused on governing, not politics, and acting quickly to avoid disruptions to Oregon’s transportation system and to protect roads and bridges that connect people to work, school and emergency services.

Legislative attorneys have reaffirmed that Oregonians have the right to weigh in through the referendum process and that lawmakers can set the election date; a recent legal opinion also indicates the Legislature likely retains the power to repeal a referred law, which could make a referendum unnecessary, although leaders are currently moving toward a public vote. The 2026 legislative session is set to begin Feb. 2, and lawmakers are expected to use the results of the May referendum to help determine Oregon’s transportation funding future.

Gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, also criticized the attempts to move the referendum.

“This is what desperation looks like,” Drazan said in a statement. “Tina Kotek is afraid of being on the same ballot as her gas tax. At the end of the day, she can’t avoid Oregonians; they will hold her accountable.”

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Triton Notary

(UPDATE: Adding video)

DESCHUTES CO, Ore. (KTVZ)– Congressman Cliff Bentz today announced the nomination of sixteen Oregon students to the United States service academies, including the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. The nominations recognize each student’s exceptional academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and strong character.

The selections were made by Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board, composed of active-duty and retired military officers who evaluate potential candidates. Bentz, who represents Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District, expressed pride in the nominees, saying, “I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to America’s service academies.” He added that the nominations reflect the students’ “hard work, dedication, and commitment to character.”

Members of the Service Academy Nomination Board include Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dave Dotterrer, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Adam Gaudinski, Retired U.S. Navy Captain Chris Peyton, Oregon Army National Guard Major Stephanie Rokes, and U.S. Army Veteran Captain Anne Havniear. Bentz thanked the board for its service, noting that “without their guidance and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the academies, these nominations would not be possible.”

Final admissions will be determined by each academy in spring 2026. The institutions include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

2025 Oregon Service Academy Nominees by County

Deschutes County: Kelsea Bomke, Lucy Fisher, Cooper Garus, Taylor Goodrich, Jackson Hartley, and Steven Miller.

Grant County: Vincent Raschio (Air Force Academy).

Jackson County: Aviyah Jones, Gabriel Medina-Banuelos, Keegan Thonstad, and Benjamin Warner.

Klamath County: Miranda Vincent (Air Force Academy).

Umatilla County: Jefferson Steele (Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy).

Union County: Kaden Jones.

Wallowa County: Lauren McBurney.

Wasco County: Sterling Coburn.

The diverse group of nominees represents communities across Central and Eastern Oregon.

Students interested in learning more about the service academy nomination process can visit bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. Final admissions decisions will be announced by the respective academies in spring 2026.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fog continues to hang over much of Central Oregon this week, and one of the biggest impacts has been at local airports. In Redmond, some flights have faced delays or even been re-routed because of limited visibility.

Despite that, Redmond Airport staff say the overall impact has been minor. Customer Service Supervisor Jodie Low said travelers should expect some changes when fog settles in, and plan accordingly.

“I think the main key takeaway is that we can’t control weather,” Low said. “You just want to stay informed as best you can. Have a backup plan. There are options to buy insurance for your travel. You might want to consider that and just stay informed with your airline — their website and their application.”

Airport staff also advise passengers to dress for the cold, since boarding often requires walking outside to the plane, and to watch for icy spots while traveling to the terminal.

When KTVZ stopped by the airport Tuesday, some travelers said they were lucky the fog cleared just in time for their flights.

“We think our timing was perfect because we had no problem at all,” said Susan Gregory, who flew in from Salt Lake City. “I was a little worried it might actually be freezing fog because it’s so chilly.”

“It was thick fog for probably four or five minutes as we came in, but it cleared up right as we approached the runway,” said Heather Leasure, arriving from San Diego.

Drivers heading to and from the airport also dealt with pockets of dense fog across Highway 97.

“On 97, it was like a whiteout,” said Erin Vanderzee of Bend. “You couldn’t see anything. People weren’t maintaining that safe distance. So just PSA — turn on those fog lights and slow down.”

For the latest flight updates, visit the Redmond Airport website.

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