Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Suspect driver found, arrested)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police released a vehicle photo Tuesday and asked for the community’s help in finding a driver who allegedly left the scene of a crash involving a child on a bicycle earlier in the day. Just a few hours later, they announced a Bend man’s arrest and thanked the public for its help.

“Thanks to assistance from the public, at approximately 5:55 p.m., Bend police were able to identify the suspect vehicle and the driver in this incident,” Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

She said the driver, 61-year-old Bend resident Tracy Michael Wood, was taken into custody at his home, and the vehicle was located nearby. 

Wood was taken to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of failure to perform the duties of a driver.  

Around 7:26 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle-vs.-bike crash in the roundabout of of Brosterhous and Murphy roads, Miller said earlier.

Witnesses reported that a child was riding a bicycle in the roundabout crosswalk when a vehicle, likely a light blue or gray older-style Honda sedan, hit the bike’s back tire.

The child fell off the bike and suffered minor injuries, Miller said, and was treated at the scene by Bend Fire medics.

Witnesses told officers the driver briefly stopped, then sped away from the crash scene. 

“Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash is a crime.,” Miller said in a news release accompanied by a photo of the suspect vehicle.  

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are up year-over-year in all three Central Oregon counties, the Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday.

Here’s the complete report they issued:

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): MSA seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are not available at the moment, but more data should be available by the end of the month. For county data, see below.  

The Bend MSA lost 560 jobs (-0.5%) from October to November, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-310 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-170 jobs); the public sector (-130 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (-100 jobs). Private-sector job gains were less widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+150 jobs) and private education and health services (+80 jobs). Smaller but notable losses took place in manufacturing (-60 jobs), information (-10 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1.8% (+2,030 jobs) from November 2024 to November 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+1,110 jobs), private education and health services (+700 jobs), and other services (+260 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in mining, logging, and construction (+40 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20 jobs). 

Private-sector losses were not as widespread and concentrated in information (-390 jobs), professional and business services (-170 jobs), financial activities (-110 jobs), and manufacturing (-60 jobs). The public sector gained 630 jobs over the year with all gains occurring at the local government level (+840 jobs) –federal government employment decreased by 140 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 70 jobs. 

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2025, up 0.8 percentage point from the previous year. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time the unemployment rate was 5.9% was in 2016.  

Crook County lost 140 jobs (-1.9%) over the month. Losses were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (-40 jobs); professional and business services (-20 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-20 jobs). 

Public-sector employment shed 60 jobs with federal government losing 40 jobs and local government losing 20 jobs. Private-sector gains were minimal and occurred in the information industry (+10 jobs). All other major industries saw little to no change over the month.  

Over the past year, the county lost 300 jobs (-3.9%). Losses were concentrated within the information industry (-270 jobs) and mostly occurred due to a change in the way the data was reported. Otherwise, losses occurred in government (-50 jobs); professional and business services (-30 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-30 jobs); manufacturing (-10 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs). 

Over the year, job gains were not as widespread and were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+60 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+30 jobs); and other services (+10 jobs). 

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9% in November 2025, up from 4.1% in November 2024. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time it was this high was in 2016, and it is 1.6 percentage points above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic. 

Deschutes County lost 400 jobs (-0.4%) from October to November, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-300 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-140 jobs); the public sector (-90 jobs); and manufacturing (-80 jobs).

Within the public sector, losses were concentrated in federal government (-70 jobs) and local government (-30 jobs). Smaller but notable private-sector losses also occurred in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs), information (-20 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs).

Private-sector job gains were less widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+170 jobs) with the majority of gains taking place in retail trade (+150 jobs); private education and health services (+80 jobs); and financial activities (+20 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 2.5% (+2,410 jobs) from November 2024 to November 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+970 jobs) with more than half (+590 jobs) of gains taking place in accommodation and food services; private education and health services (+750 jobs); and other services (+130 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in manufacturing (+90 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20 jobs).

Over the year, private-sector losses were concentrated in information (-120 jobs); financial activities (-100 jobs); professional and business services (-40 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-40 jobs). The public sector gained 750 jobs over the year, with all gains occurring at the local government level (+910 jobs) – federal government employment decreased by 120 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 40 jobs. 

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2025, up 1.3 percentage points from November 2024. Like the other two counties, the last time the unemployment rate was this high, outside of the pandemic recession, was 2016. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt, the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 10 jobs (-0.2%) over the month of November. Losses were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-20 jobs); and other services (-10 jobs). Gains were marginal and concentrated in government (+30 jobs), specifically in local government (+20 jobs) and state government (+10 jobs), with minor gains also seen in manufacturing (+20 jobs). Very little movement was seen otherwise with little to no change in all other industries.  

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 90 jobs over the past year (-1.3%). Gains were minimal and concentrated within the private sector with other services gaining 40 jobs over the year. Private-sector losses were more widespread and were recorded in manufacturing (-80 jobs); professional and business services (-30 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs); and government (-10 jobs). 

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for December on Thursday, Jan. 22 and county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, Jan. 27.  

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon officials are warning residents to act fast as the deadline to sign up for health coverage approaches — and to be on alert for scams that often appear this time of year.

Open enrollment for health insurance in Oregon ends Wednesday, January 15, 2026, and Insurance Commissioner TK Keen says the state is seeing a rise in fraudulent websites and misleading “junk” health plans that target people searching for affordable options.

“These fake plans may look cheaper, but they often fail to cover key services like prescriptions, mental health care, or preventive care — leaving people with costly medical bills,” Keen said.

State officials urge Oregonians to look out for red flags such as websites promising “free” or “guaranteed” insurance, requests for personal information before confirming eligibility, or short-term plans marketed as full coverage.

To avoid scams, residents should only use trusted sources when shopping for coverage. Free, unbiased assistance is available to help compare plans and check for financial aid.

Eligible Oregonians can visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 855‑268‑3767 for help enrolling before Wednesday’s deadline.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Visit Bend is looking for community members who want to help shape the city’s future in tourism, recreation, and sustainability. The city’s nonprofit destination marketing organization plays a key role in promoting Bend while prioritizing environmental, social, and economic health.​

The tourism organization is currently accepting applications for four open seats on its board of directors. The new members will serve three-year terms beginning in March, and the deadline to apply is January 30.

Visit Bend is seeking applicants with ties to the city’s visitor economy — including those working in tourism, hospitality, outdoor recreation, or related industries — as well as individuals whose work supports the group’s mission of environmental and economic stewardship.​

Those interested in applying can send an email to boardinquiry@visitbend.com with a brief bio and a statement explaining why they’d like to serve. More information about the board positions and Visit Bend’s initiatives is available at their website.

About Visit Bend

Visit Bend is the destination marketing and management organization under contract with the City of Bend, funded primarily through citywide transient room tax collections. Its work focuses on attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and reinvesting tourism dollars into community assets, with an emphasis on sustainability and respect for Bend’s natural resources.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A beloved Central Oregon winter tradition is back on the mountain. Oregon Adaptive Sports has relaunched its long-running Ski for Life program, offering youth with disabilities a chance to experience skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo.

Students from more than ten Central Oregon schools are taking part this season. The program pairs each participant one-on-one with a trained volunteer coach, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and community through adaptive snow sports.

Ski for Life runs in four-week cycles through April, thanks to the support of volunteers, donors, and local partners. Organizers say programs like this not only create access to outdoor recreation, but also empower young athletes to continue discovering what’s possible on and off the mountain.

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KTVZ – News Team

Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — New video captured by KTVZ on Monday shows major progress on Redmond’s long-awaited recreation center, signaling a big step forward after previous construction delays.

The 56,000-square-foot Redmond Aquatic and Recreation Center will dramatically expand community services, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, fitness areas, childcare facilities, and a full gymnasium.

Officials with the Redmond Area Park and Recreation District say the project is on track to open in July. The facility is funded by a $49 million bond measure voters approved in 2022.

Once completed, the center is expected to provide year-round recreation options and become a key gathering space for community members of all ages.

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Triton Notary

KLAMATH CO. (KTVZ)– A two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 228 in Klamath County resulted in one fatality Friday evening, according to Oregon State Police.

OSP responded to the crash at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Friday, January 9th, 2026. Investigators determined that a Ford F-450, operated by Douglas Alan Fordyce, 61, of Caldwell, Idaho, was stopped westbound on Silver Lake Road at the intersection with Highway 97.

When the Ford attempted to enter the highway, it was struck by a southbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer operated by Sebastian Mercado Juarez, 29, of Fresno, CA resulting in a side-impact collision.

Fordyce was declared dead at the scene.

Sebastian Mercado Juarez and a passenger in the Freightliner, Christian Mercado Juarez, 31 of Fresno CA, sustained reported minor injuries.

Highway 97 was impacted for approximately two hours while emergency crews conducted the on-scene investigation.

Oregon State Police were assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, Chemult Rural Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A new study finds that a pilot program combining direct cash payments with wraparound support is helping Oregon youth experiencing homelessness get and keep stable housing. The Direct Cash Transfer Plus (DCT+) program provides cash assistance alongside housing navigation, financial education, and other services, and was found to significantly boost both housing stability and independence for young adults.

DCT+ is run through a partnership between Point Source Youth and the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) at the Oregon Department of Human Services, with services delivered by three community partners: the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), Antfarm, and JBarJ Youth Services. In a study by Young People to the Front, 63 of the first 120 participants completed surveys over two years; 94 percent of them self-reported being housed at the end of the program.

“We are very encouraged by the early results showing that Direct Cash Transfers help youth move beyond survival mode and toward building more stable, independent lives,” said YEHP Program Manager Matthew Rasmussen, adding that the approach helps build emotional stability, financial skills, and rental history, and reduces the likelihood of chronic adult homelessness. The cash support can be used for rent, deposits, furniture, and transportation, helping youth overcome barriers like lack of credit history and insufficient income.

Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director at Point Source Youth, said Oregon’s outcomes match earlier results in New York: when the real cost of shared housing is covered for two years and paired with support, “young people stay housed.” He said flexible cash gives youth the time and “breathing room” needed to build long-term stability.

Other findings from the first two years of the pilot include: 72 percent of participants were working or enrolled in school; the share of youth with a high school diploma rose by 8.1 percent; and participation in financial literacy workshops increased by 23 percent. Program leaders say the combined supports give young people a real chance to change the trajectory of their lives.

“DCT helped me move from survival mode into a place where I could heal, grow, and plan for a sustainable future,” said participant Gabrielle Huffman of Bend. She said that one year after finishing the program she is in her own home, halfway through a business degree, focused on creating stability for herself and her daughter, and working toward becoming a nonprofit leader in her community.

The pilot first operated in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Deschutes counties and has since expanded to Jackson County for a second group of 120 participants. Youth must be 18 to 24 when they apply and can receive up to two years of support. The second cohort has already been selected, and the pilot is not currently accepting new applications.

Participants work with a case manager to set self-directed goals around long-term housing stability and overall well-being, while the cash assistance helps meet ongoing needs as they work toward permanent housing. Initial funding for the pilot came through an agreement between ODHS and Oregon Housing and Community Services, with the second cohort supported by a $1 million philanthropic gift and additional funds from Senate Bill 5526.

Direct Cash Transfer Plus is one of several services offered through YEHP, which serves youth ages 14–24 experiencing homelessness via a network of community partners. Those partnerships connect youth with essential services such as showers, laundry, academic and employment support, as well as temporary shelter and housing opportunities.

YEHP’s tuition and fee waiver assistance is also showing impact: from fall 2023 to now, the program has approved 267 tuition and fee waivers for eligible youth experiencing homelessness through agreements with Oregon’s public universities and community colleges, which waive costs for qualifying students. YEHP continues to expand prevention and housing-stability efforts with the goal of keeping youth from entering homelessness in the first place and helping those who do to secure and maintain stable housing into adulthood.

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KTVZ

LAKEVIEW, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday for Lake County and southern Klamath County and extends the advisory for southern Deschutes County due to stagnant air conditions trapping smoke and other air pollutants near the ground where people breathe.

DEQ said expects the air quality advisory to last through Friday morning at 10 a.m.

Here’s the rest of their news release:

Check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the OregonAIR on your app on your smartphone.

Check with your local heath or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income.

People can take the following precautions to protect their health:

• Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality.• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.• People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high.• Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.• Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible.

DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions and ranks air quality as follows: Green is good. Yellow is moderate. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions. Red is unhealthy for everyone. Purple is very unhealthy for all groups. Maroon is hazardous.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man arrested four times last year pleaded not guilty Monday to nearly 30 counts in two cases alleging luring a minor online and use of child sex abuse material, and two jury trials were set for October. 

In one case, Conner Duhn, 27, entered the pleas to three counts of luring a minor and three counts of using a child in a display of explicit conduct, court records show. Deschutes County Circuit Judge Beth Bagley scheduled a five-day, 12-person jury trial to begin Oct. 13. 

In the other case, Duhn entered not guilty pleas to one count of luring a minor and 20 first- and second-degree counts of encouraging child sexual abuse. A separate three-day jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 21 on those charges. 

Bend Police said in September the case began with a November 2023 cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding possible child sex abuse material being uploaded, saved or shared on Snapchat, using a local IP address. 

A nearly year-long investigation led to Duhn, whose home was raided in October 2024. He was arrested on March 5, 2025, and agreed in a release agreement to have no contact with minors or access the internet, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. 

Detectives later learned that same month, Duhn allegedly was in contact online with a 17-year-old boy who lived in another state, Miller said. A warrant was issued in June, and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrested Duhn again that month. 

He was arrested a third time in July after detectives learned he allegedly tried to meet with at least one underage boy in Central Oregon and exchanged explicit messages online with several others. 

Then, last August, detectives learned that Duhn was still active on Snapchat, and he was arrested yet again., Miller said.

Duhn was booked into the Deschutes County Jail, where he remained held Monday on $500,000 bail, according to jail records. 

Bend Police said last fall that detectives continued to investigate Duhn’s online communications and believed there could be more victims.  

 Duhn has also been known to use the names Luca and August in his communications, Miller said. Anyone with information was asked to contact Det. Alyssa Snyder at asnyder@bendoregon.gov or by calling non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. 

No new charges have been filed, court records show, but Miller told KTVZ News on Monday that the investigation is continuing. 

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