Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Labor Day, demonstrators gathered across the country to call for fair wages and greater support for workers over billionaires. In Central Oregon, protests took place in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. 

The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is one of the main organizers of the event. On their website, they posted the message: “In the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and the halls of Congress, working people are rising up, speaking out and fighting for an economy, a government and a country for the people—not the billionaires.”

KTVZ spoke with Cyndi Davis, volunteer with 50501 Central Oregon, at the Bend event.

“We are representing the workers of this country that have created our billionaires. And we think that it’s only fair and just that that money trickle down to the people actually doing the work,” said Davis.

Organizers say the event is about more than raising awareness, it’s about building community and giving people ways to take action. 

“There are a lot of people frustrated with what’s happening. This gives us an opportunity to come together and also to inspire other people to use their voice,” said Davis.

Protesters handed out information on letter-writing campaigns, local causes, and monthly demonstrations aimed at keeping the momentum going. 

“We always list local causes that are being impacted by what’s happening, how you can help, and we update that every month,” said Davis.

The hope of organizers and protesters is to see more people speaking up and to keep the conversation going beyond the holiday. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A funding package for the Oregon Department of Transportation passed the Oregon House of Representatives on Monday and now heads to the State Senate for a vote.

Oregon House Bill 3991, is a comprehensive transportation funding measure, introduced in the 2025 special session, that proposes to increase gasoline taxes, raise vehicle registration and titling fees, and double a payroll tax used for public transit. It also requires electric vehicle owners to pay new annual fees and makes other changes to transportation-related fees and taxes to fund road maintenance and operations. 

The package is part of a broader effort to modernize Oregon’s transportation funding system.

Public written testimony leaned heavily against the proposal. Through the Oregon Legislature’s website, more than 1,000 written comments were submitted, with over 940, opposed. Only about 2–3% of written testimony supported the bill.

Despite the pushback, some local leaders voiced support, including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler.

According to the letter below, Kebler supports the bill, seeing it as an urgent but temporary fix to protect city funding, transit, and road safety.

Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair told KTVZ News Sunday evening, she testified virtually earlier in the day to oppose the bill.

She acknowledged the importance of keeping roads like Government Camp and Santiam Pass accessible in the winter, but said she doesn’t believe raising the gas tax and other fees, which would be passed down to Oregonians, is the right move for Oregon. She added that this is the 4th highest taxed state in the nation.

“Government Camp and Santiam Pass must be accessible this winter,” Adair said.

Though members expressed concerns about the financial impact on Oregonians, ultimately the committee voted 7–5 to pass HB 3991.

Among the amendments added to HB 3991, include: 

The Act increases and adds taxes related to roads, cars, trucks, and buses, and says how revenue must be used.  

The Act would make the per-mile road usage charge mandatory over time.  

The Act would let a person pay a yearly fee instead of the per-mile road usage charge.  

The Act tells the Division of Audits to do performance audits of ODOT.  

Directs the Division of Audits to conduct performance audits of the Department of Transportation (ODOT).  

Alters the duties of the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Continuous Improvement Advisory Committee.  

Provides that the Governor shall appoint the Director of Transportation.  

Increases and adds transportation-related fees and taxes. 

Provides uses of revenues.  

Imposes a mandatory per-mile road usage charge for electric and hybrid vehicles.  

Allows an annual fee in lieu of the mandatory per-mile road usage charge.  

Repeals the mandatory toll program.  

Provides for diesel fuel to be taxed in the same manner as gasoline.  

Revises the formula for weight-mile taxes.  

Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment. 

Lawmakers emphasized they will continue to explore ways to reduce the burden on households as the bill advances.

Following the committee’s approval on Sunday, the amended transportation funding package (HB 3991) is scheduled for a vote by the full Oregon House of Representatives on Monday, September 1, 2025.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Labor Day weekend, smoky skies and air quality advisories in Central Oregon haven’t just been keeping people out of parks and trails  — they’re also keeping customers away from food trucks. 

Summer is typically the busiest time of year for Central Oregon food trucks, especially during holidays. But many vendors say as soon as the air quality takes a turn, so does their business. 

Stephan Lavigne, co-owner of On A Wing & A Crepe, spoke with KTVZ about the impacts on his business.

“It’s tough out here in the summertime. It’s the only time that the food trucks can really make that money. And sometimes it’s just like the smoke comes in, nobody wants to come in,” said Lavigne. 

Food truck businesses especially heavily rely on customers ordering take-out or delivery when air quality is poor. 

“We are lucky we get DoorDash orders, so that does help for people that want to stay home,” said Lavigne. 

While owners understand the health risks and want customers to take care of themselves first, times of poor air quality hit their businesses hard. 

“All food trucks need help all the time. I feel like we all just mom and pop businesses just trying to make a living, you know, pay the high rent in Bend, and enjoy a life out here as people do,” said Lavigne.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Horseshoe Tavern in downtown Prineville, is facing mounting troubles. Our media partner, the Prineville Review takes a deeper dive, here.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Labor Day weekend in Central Oregon usually means playgrounds full of children, parks full of people, and outdoor enjoyment for many as it marks the last long weekend before school starts. 

But this year, smoke from the Emigrant Fire has changed holiday plans, leaving many outdoor spaces much quieter than usual, and causing cancellation of a much-anticipated concert in the Old Mill on Friday. 

As of this weekend, the fire has grown to nearly 20,000 acres with zero percent containment.  While it’s not threatening homes, its smoke is making its way into Central Oregon, prompting air quality advisories in parts of Deschutes and Klamath counties.

The Oregon DEQ says our region’s geography can make smoke impacts unpredictable. KTVZ spoke with Jennifer Horton, air quality coordinator for Oregon DEQ, about smoke and its impacts in our region. 

“There are some river valleys in Central Oregon that can impact how smoke moves throughout the community. What we see a lot of times is smoke will be able to lift up and disperse during the day, but as temperatures cool overnight, a lot of times smoke is pulled back down those river drainages towards communities,” said Horton.

The concern comes from tiny smoke particles called PM 2.5 that can affect the lungs and heart. 

“As those smoke levels increase, the PM 2.5 levels also increase. It can create some health impacts for individuals, especially if you have any preexisting conditions. People who are elderly or very young and people who work outside need to be especially careful of monitoring the air quality levels and keeping an eye on that AQI (air quality index),” said Horton. 

To limit exposure, it is recommended you keep your windows closed at night, run air purifiers, and keep strenuous outdoor activity to a minimum. 

“Not having air conditioning does make it a bit harder to close those windows overnight. But if you’re able to, that is one of the best ways to keep smoke out of your home. If you have a portable air filtration device, make sure and run that,” recommended Horton.

Officials remind the community the best thing you can do is stay informed on conditions in your area.  This Labor Day, Central Oregon’s outdoors may not be as busy as usual, but experts say keeping safe until skies clear is the best way to enjoy the holiday. 

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Triton Notary

Meet the adorable and very outgoing Mango Jr. She is the most talkative cat we have ever had in the studio. Mango and a plethora of other pets will have their adoption fee’s waived this Saturday at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Head on down this weekend to meet the adorable Mango Jr.

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Lynsey Harris

Bend Family Moves Into First Home With Help From Nonprofit

Bend, Ore. — After years of struggle, Laura Elder and her daughters are celebrating a major milestone: moving into their first home. The family received the keys on August 20, thanks to nonprofit First Story, which partners with builders, donors, and industry leaders to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for families earning below the median income.

“This journey has been about setting small goals to achieve one big dream: a safe, stable home,” said Elder. “It feels overwhelming, but also… really cool.” The dedication ceremony drew community support, including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, Commissioner Patty Adair, and City Councilor Mike Riley, who called affordable homeownership “life-changing” for families and communities.

First Story offers zero-down, zero-interest, 30-year mortgages to help first-time homebuyers achieve stability and build wealth for future generations. To date, more than 120 families across the Northwest have benefited from the program.

Elder, who has overcome addiction, homelessness, and loss, said moving into a permanent home with her daughters is “absolutely amazing.” For the Elders, this home represents a new chapter of hope and stability, made possible by community support and nonprofit initiatives focused on affordable housing.

For more information about First Story and their homeownership programs, visit www.firststory.org.

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Drivers should expect delays this week as several road projects get underway in Central Oregon.

On Tumalo Road, crews will be paving between Cline Falls Highway and Tumalo Place. Work will take place overnight Tuesday through Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.. Single-lane closures will be in place with flaggers, and delays of up to 20 minutes are expected.

Other projects to watch for:

Redmond: Sewer utility work on NW Pershall Way and NW 19th Street, with single-lane closures and temporary signals.

Bend: Roundabout construction at Skyliners Road and Skyline Ranch Road continues, with detours in place.

Terrebonne: 11th Street remains closed for utility work, with traffic detouring around the area.

Tumalo Reservoir Road: Closed to northbound traffic between Bailey Road and Johnson Road, with a signed detour in place.

China Hat Road & FS Road 1815: Both remain closed for forest thinning work.

All work is weather-dependent and schedules may shift. For the latest updates, visit TripCheck.com or the Deschutes County Road Department.

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KTVZ

(Saturday update)

LANE AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES, Ore. (KTVZ) — All primary control lines are complete on the Emigrant Fire. Due to cooler weather and increased humidity, crews along the southern flank of the fire were able to implement tactical firing operations yesterday off Forest Service Road (FSR) 2154 and along the western flank off FSR 2136. These are conducted to reduce fire behavior when meeting the primary line by removing understory fuels ahead of the fire, leaving large trees intact.

On the northern edge of the fire, crews continue to improve and deepen line. Snagging operations are ongoing in these areas as well. Moving southeast, crews are improving and adding check lines. Check lines are fuel breaks that compartmentalize unburned areas between the fire and primary control lines. These check lines allow for more manageable sections and safer anchors when conducting firing operations. Contingency groups are working on secondary lines along FSR 2160.

On the western edge of the fire, firefighters will continue to patrol and strengthen lines while assisting adjacent operations. Contingency groups in this area are working on secondary lines along FSR 2133 to join completed secondary lines along the southern edge. This work is expected to occur over multiple operational shifts. Contingency groups are working to protect structures in Timpanogas Campground and the hydroelectric flumes south of FSR 2154. Sprinkler systems are also being installed to protect bridges along the Middle Fork Trail.

Resource advisors continue to work with firefighters to protect natural resources in the fire area.

Earlier reporting:

Officials say firefighters are prepared for changing fire conditions as hot, dry and unstable air moves into the region.

The National Weather Service has issued fire weather alerts for the Cascades region through Wednesday.

The fire is currently zero-percent contained. The blaze is impacting air quality in Central Oregon.

Since initial attack, firefighters have been utilizing roads that were previously treated during the Tumblebug Fire in 2009, enabling quicker and safer access for full suppression efforts on the Emigrant Fire.

Firefighters encountered moderate fire conditions around the perimeter of the fire yesterday due to cooler temperatures and thick smoke blocking the sun. Firefighters are prepared for changing fire conditions as hot, dry and unstable air moves into the region.

The fire has stayed within primary containment lines. Lines are being reinforced by firefighters using a mix of tactical firing operations, brushing, hand prep, mastication, and dozer lines. A swing shift started Sunday afternoon to extend daily fire suppression operations. Firefighters are also working on secondary lines as more equipment and personnel arrive.

On the northern portion of the fire area, firefighters are utilizing sprinklers, hose lays and structure wraps to protect Sacandaga Campground and recreational structures like bridges along trail systems. In addition, tactical firing operations are planned between the campground and Forest Service Road 2143. The fire has backed down to Forest Service Road 2137 in the northwest. Fire crossed Echo Creek and firefighters are concentrating efforts to stop westward progression. Firefighters continue to prepare Forest Service Road 23 as a containment feature. Mastication continues on the primary fire line between the Willamette National Forest and privately owned timber land.

On the eastern and western flanks, tactical firing operations continued to reinforce primary lines. Mastication and hand crews followed by chipping operations are also strengthening control lines on the eastern flank.

On the southern end, firefighters are reinforcing established primary lines as the fire advances. Unmanned Aerial Systems using infrared imaging are being used to identify hotspots throughout the fire area.

WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s today and lower 90s mid-week, with Tuesday likely being the hottest day. The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms and unstable conditions, which is in effect from 2 PM to 8 PM PDT Tuesday.

Saturday, an Unmanned Aerial System flew the entire northern perimeter of the fire to identify heat signatures near containment lines.

At the northwest corner of the fire, crews focused on prepping the area around Sacandaga Campground to ensure it is secured. Brushing and prep work is continuing on the boundary between the Willamette National Forest and privately owned timber land.

Today, if conditions allow, firefighters may use strategic firing operations to connect unburned fingers of vegetation to reinforce the line along Forest Service Road 21 south to Forest Service Road 2153. Mastication work will continue southward, and heavy equipment is being used to reopen an old dozer line on the southeast corner of the fire.

Prep work along Forest Service Roads 2134 and 2136 is about 30 percent complete aided by fuel break work done along Forest Service Road 2136 during the 2022 Potter Fire and the 2024 Potter Fire. Forest Service Road 2137 is holding where fire has reached the roadway.

Using existing containment lines offers multiple benefits. The quicker indirect lines are in place the sooner ground resources can attack the fire as it approaches areas having the highest probability of control. Shaded fuel breaks lower the temperature of fuels on the ground, slowing the rate of fire spread and reducing fuel consumption. Reusing these existing treatments also protects the landscape by minimizing new soil disturbance.

WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to stay in the low 80s today. Hotter, drier weather with temperatures in the 90s is forecast to return starting Monday, with potential for dry thunderstorms midweek.

SAFETY: Help keep firefighters safe by avoiding the fire area! Archery, deer and elk hunters should be aware of fire-related closures impacting the Santiam (Unit 16), McKenzie (Unit 19), and Indigo (Unit 21) hunting areas. Hunters are encouraged to monitor conditions and seek hunting opportunities in other areas.

RESTRICTIONS & CLOSURES: Fire restrictions for the Willamette National Forest can be found HERE A closure order for the fire area can be viewed HERE

SMOKE: Smoke is not currently impacting the Willamette Valley. Smoke has been settling into nearby drainages overnight in communities immediately surrounding the fire area and lifting around midday. An air quality advisory is in place for Deschutes and Klamath counties, where smoke concentrations are heavier. Smoke and air quality information is available HERE

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KTVZ – News Team

(UPDATE: Interview with Deputy Fire Marshal, business owner)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, residents from around Central Oregon reported hearing a loud explosion. After numerous 911 calls, officials were attempting to locate the area of the incident when they received another call, reporting debris was being struck by vehicles on the Bend Parkway. 

When officials arrived on the scene at the Parkway, they discovered the debris was likely from the reported explosion. They were able to follow the materials strewn about to the location where the explosion occurred. 

The debris and explosion was found to be from Kercher Electric on NE Yale Ave in Bend, off of Division St., just before the Business 97 intersection. 

A shipping container located outside the Kercher Electric building had exploded, causing severe damage to two businesses in the area. In addition, four other businesses nearby sustained broken windows and experienced interior damage. 

Kercher Electric and Arbor Builders were tagged “Do Not Occupy” by City of Bend Building Department due to their structural damage. 

Fortunately, none of the businesses were occupied at the time of the explosion. 

Lindsay Cloud, owner of Velocity Property Management — located in the area — spoke with KTVZ News on the scene. 

“This morning I woke up to a bunch of texts and calls from people concerned. And then J.R. from Arbor called me and said we have a problem. And I rushed down. It’s very scary because we have people coming and going there all the time. And to think that our car or a person could have been right here. It’s very scary,” said Cloud. 

After investigating, officials released the cause of the explosion — an oxygen-acetylene welding setup inside a shipping container had leaked, causing the container to fill with extremely flammable vapors. A freezer was also inside the container and being powered by an extension cord. The electrical cord acted as an ignition source, leading to the explosion. 

Though many are grateful no one was hurt by the explosion, some are asking how this could happen. 

“Why wasn’t that monitored? I don’t know. It’s very scary,” stressed Cloud. 

KTVZ spoke with Deputy Fire Marshal with Bend Fire and Rescue, Cindy Kettering, on the scene. 

“This is not a criminal matter at all. There are no citations or charges being contemplated. This will be resolved between the insurance companies and the owners,” said Kettering. 

Kettering said part of the cause was due to the extension cord — meant to be used for temporary and small amounts of electricity — to power a large appliance. 

“You never want to have a power source or an ignition source in close proximity to a welding set up, any sort of flammable or combusted material needs clearance around it with flammable gases. They need clearance. They need to be stored away from direct sunlight, away from heat, away from ignition sources and the valves maintained in the off position,” warned Kettering. 

Kettering also described the explosion and shared her gratitude that no one was injured. 

“This was a large explosion. It took the box, which is a very sturdy structure, and sent portions of it over 30 yards away. There are sides and large pieces of metal that were shot over to neighboring buildings. It was a tremendous amount of force. It was very fortunate that it was an early hour where there were not people in the area,” said Kettering. 

Earlier story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire and Rescue says a leaking oxygen-acetylene welding setup inside a shipping container sparked the powerful explosion that significantly damaged two Bend businesses and caused damage to four others.

Full release from Bend Fire and Rescue below:

Early in the morning of Friday, August 29, 2025, multiple 911 callers across Bend reported hearing a loud explosion, but there was no identified location or source for the explosion.  A few minutes later, at 5:34 am, a 911 caller reported multiple cars striking debris on the Bend Parkway, with one of the vehicles sustaining a punctured fuel tank. 

Fire crews arrived on scene and were able to mitigate the fuel leak.  The source of the debris was found to be a large explosion that occurred at Kercher Electric, 132 NE Yale Avenue.  A shipping container located outside the business had exploded, resulting in several businesses in the area sustaining damage to windows, doors, and walls.  Two businesses, Kercher Electric and the neighboring Arbor Builders, sustained significant structural damage and were tagged “Do Not Occupy” by the City of Bend Building Department. 

A total of six businesses received some degree of damage as a result of the explosion.  All the businesses were unoccupied at the time of the explosion due to the early hour.  

Upon investigation, it was found that an oxygen-acetylene welding setup inside the shipping container leaked, causing the closed shipping container to fill with the highly flammable mixture of oxygen and acetylene.  There was also an upright freezer in use, powered by an extension cord running into the shipping container.  This energized equipment provided an ignition source for the flammable vapors, causing the subsequent explosion.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community to store flammable gases safely.  Gas cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, clear of any ignition sources, and secured upright to prevent tipping over. Always store cylinders with the valve in the “off” position.  For more safety information regarding compressed gases, visit the OSHA website at https://osha.oregon.gov/oshapubs/factsheets/fs09.pdf

Earlier Reporting:

An explosion early Friday morning was caused by a shipping container filled with welding equipment that leaked, resulting in a highly flammable mixture of oxygen and acetylene filling the container.

A shipping container filled Bend Fire and Rescue says a large shipping container exploded at 5:34AM this morning

According to Bend Fire and Rescue, major damage has been confirmed for two buildings and minor damage to a third. An official investigation is underway by Bend Fire and Rescue and the Bend Police Department.

Deputy Fire Marshall Sidney Kettering told KTVZ News the Oregon State Police Explosives Unit has been contacted and will arrive on scene today.

The explosion occurred near 2524 NE Division Street, across the street from Riverview Park.

This is a developing story and KTVZ will provide updates as they become available.

Update 7:30 a.m.

According to Pulse Point, an explosion occurred on NE Divison Street in Bend. KTVZ is on scene and working to learn if this is connected to a loud boom heard across town around 5:20 a.m. Friday.

Officials on scene told KTVZ News the cause is still under investigation but they believe the explosion occurred from a shipping container box. No injuries have been reported.

Original report:

The large boom was heard and felt during KTVZ News at Sunrise’s 5 a.m. broadcast. Our team is working to find out more information.

It is not yet confirmed if the two incidents are connected.

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