Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Clarifying that construction crews will not have to close down the intersection again)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than a year after the city of Bend began an improvement project on a key east-west thoroughfare – work that was beset by several unexpected delays – the final closed stretch of Olney Avenue between Wall Street and First Street reopened to drivers on Wednesday morning.

KTVZ spoke to businesses along Olney, who say the extended closure made it harder for customers to reach them. Dr. Sarah Cummings, medical director at Riverside Animal Hospital, said some clients told her they stopped coming because getting to the clinic had become too difficult.

Dr. Cummings said, “The impact on our clients when that road was closed was huge, because everyone’s trying to find another way to get to us.” Adding, “I do think that it did impact our business this past year. We had more than one client tell us, ‘it’s just too hard to get to you guys right now.'”

The $12 million Olney Avenue Improvements Project that began in early February of last year originally was expected to be finished last fall.

It replaced aging (from the 1950s) water and sewer infrastructure, which the city said was a key step to help keep up with the demand on those systems.

“At the same time, this project made Olney Avenue safer to drive, walk, bike and roll,” the city announcement said, continuing: “The city recognizes that delays impacted travel for many community members and appreciate the patience and understanding shown throughout the project.”

One key step was last May’s reopening of the Olney Avenue-Wall Street intersection, but the street remained closed to the east.

The city explained that the road project was hit by several delays “due to the complexity of coordinating construction with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railways around active rail operations.”

“The city is grateful for its collaboration with BNSF as we worked through some complex issues at the railroad crossing,” the city added.

City Engineering Director Ryan Oster said, “We want to thank our community for their patience and understanding throughout the Olney Avenue project. This project not only provided needed upgrades to our aging water and sewer system, it made it safer for all users of the roadway.”

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to BNSF for their strong partnership and collaboration in bringing this project across the finish line,” Oster added.

City officials also had one added piece of good news to share on Wednesday: Due to the recent unusually warm winter weather, crews were able to get permanent asphalt on all of Olney Avenue in place. They said that means they won’t have to return to the job site in the spring, as previously planned, to finish paving and striping the road.

The Olney Avenue Improvements Project is part of the voter approved 2020 Transportation Go Bond. Olney Avenue connects to schools, parks, trails, businesses and more. These are places that kids, parents, commuters and others in the City traveling east to west need to reach.

You can learn more about the project at bendoregon.gov/olney.

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Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation Tuesday to prevent President Donald Trump from receiving financial benefits from a $10 billion lawsuit against the federal government. The ‘Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act’ targets any settlement resulting from the president’s legal action against the IRS and Treasury Department.

In an interview with NBC News Anchor Tom Llamas, the President addressed the controversy saying, “You can’t leak documents. And any money that I win, I’ll give it to charity, 100% to charities, charities that will be approved by government or whatever. I have another lawsuit with the United States. I sued because they broke into Mar-a-Lago.”

The bill follows a lawsuit President Trump filed late last month regarding the leak of his tax returns by an outside contractor several years ago. The proposed legislation would impose a 100% tax on any settlement a president, vice president, cabinet member or member of Congress receives from the government as a result of a lawsuit filed while in office.

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden criticized the president’s lawsuit as a significant conflict of interest. Sen. Wyden described the legal action as an attempt to divert taxpayer funds for personal gain.

“Saying that Trump’s lawsuit against his own government creates a conflict of interest does not begin to describe the depth of corruption behind what he’s doing,” Sen. Wyden said. “At a time when so many American families are struggling to get by, it’s a shameful abuse of office for Trump to put himself in line to pocket billions of taxpayer dollars.”

Wyden also questioned President Trump’s public statements regarding the potential donation of settlement funds. He expressed skepticism about whether the president would follow through on such a commitment.

“The only reason Trump is talking about donating this money is because even he realizes what he’s doing is indefensible with the public and given that he’s a lifelong cheat and conman, there’s no reason to trust he’d even follow through with the donation anyway,” Sen. Wyden said.

Democratic Leader Schumer joined Wyden in sponsoring the measure and accused President Trump of prioritizing personal wealth over the needs of American families. Senator Schumer pledged that Senate Democrats would work to block the potential payout.

“Trump’s greed knows no bounds,” Sen. Schumer said. “As American families struggle to make ends meet or put food on the table, Trump tries to enrich himself at the expense of American taxpayers.”

Schumer further characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to extract billions of dollars from the public.

“Suing your own government to extract billions from taxpayers is corruption, plain and simple,” Sen. Schumer said. “Senate Democrats will fight to stop Trump from turning the presidency into a personal piggy bank.”

The proposal is also cosponsored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan and Senator Peter Welch. The legislative text was made available following the formal introduction of the bill on Tuesday.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a sold-out debut last year, the Bend Comedy Festival is returning Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6, with three days of live stand-up, improv, sketch, and late-night performances at venues across the city.

Organizers said the 2025 inaugural event exceeded expectations, selling out more than 20 shows and drawing packed crowds to venues big and small. Building on that momentum, this year’s festival promises an expanded lineup, larger spaces, and more chances for audiences to experience comedy from around the country.

The 2026 festival will feature nationally touring headliners along with rising comedians and Pacific Northwest favorites. Acts include Geoffrey Asmus of “Just For Laughs” and Kevin Hart’s “LOL Network,” Fahim Anwar from “Conan” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the UCB longform improv show ASSSSCAT, and a Don’t Tell Comedy All-Star Show featuring popular YouTube performers. Additional acts will be announced in the coming months.

Venues include Tower Theatre, Volcanic Theatre Pub, The Capitol, and others throughout Bend. Festival passes offer access to all events, exclusive perks, and invitations to late-night shows.

Produced by the Bend Comedy & Arts Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit, the festival is led by a queer and women-led team dedicated to building community through comedy.

Early bird festival passes are on sale now in limited quantities at bendcomedyfestival.com.

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Triton Notary

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Oregon Department of Transportation says the large “Lower Bridge Way” project in Terrebonne is moving forward on schedule, despite getting a late start.

ODOT officials say the project is expected to be completed by October. When finished, it will create a new interchange where U.S. Highway 97 will pass over Lower Bridge Way.

The upgrades will also include improvements for pedestrian safety, giving people a safer way to cross through the busy area.

Kacey Davey, Public Information Officer for ODOT, said the project will make travel around one of Central Oregon’s most popular destinations much safer and more efficient.

“A lot of people travel to Smith Rock and they go through Terrebonne, so. And it’s hard to make that left turn when you’re leaving Smith Rock to get back onto US 97. So this project is going to be great because people can just go right up to the interchange and use that to head south safely without ever having to cross traffic,” Davey said.

People could be driving on part of the newly created overpass as early as April, according to ODOT.

However, officials warn that there will be several closures and detours in the area as construction continues.

For the latest updates and traffic impacts, ODOT encourages drivers to check the project’s official website for details and live updates.

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Spencer Sacks

Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert held a town hall meeting in Redmond to address community concerns and discuss his first seven months in office. The meeting, held at the VFW building, lasted more than 2 hours and covered topics ranging from gun rights to immigration enforcement.

The event is part of a countywide town hall tour Rupert is conducting to rebuild public trust following a loss of faith in the department in previous years. During the meeting, Rupert highlighted his personal history and the work completed since he became sheriff approximately seven months ago.

Throughout the session, Rupert spoke with community members about the different needs across Deschutes County. He emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty in his leadership. Rupert said these meetings provide him with insight into how his office can improve its service to the region.

“And it also gives me an opportunity to learn what their concerns are and how we can better serve them,” said Rupert, sheriff of Deschutes County. “As a sheriff’s office and also as a sheriff, one of the questions I asked was, what do they expect out of their sheriff? And you heard honesty, integrity, transparency.”

The town hall featured a question-and-answer period where Rupert encouraged attendees to ask difficult questions. He told the crowd that he does not intend to avoid hard topics or scrutiny.

“And as you know, some of these questions asked tonight are difficult questions,” Rupert said. “And I made it clear to them that I’m not going to run from those questions. That’s not how I get better. If I run away from a question, they expect a sheriff that will be able to stand strong, be honest and transparent and answer their questions to the best of my ability.”

The discussion included specific questions regarding firearms and immigration enforcement. Regarding gun rights, Rupert stated he supports the right to own and carry a firearm but believes there should be regulations governing who can and cannot possess weapons. On the topic of immigration, he noted that there are currently no operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that he is aware of within Deschutes County.

Rupert is scheduled to hold his next town hall meeting in Bend.

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KTVZ – News Team

LOS ANGELES, Ca. (KTVZ) — The Arizona rock band Jimmy Eat World announced a North American tour on Tuesday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album “Bleed American.” The tour is scheduled to begin June 9, 2026, at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver and will conclude in November 2026 at the Vans Warped Tour in Orlando, Fla.

The band will perform the entire “Bleed American” album during the tour, which marks their return to the Vans Warped Tour stage after a 25-year absence. Originally released in 2001, the album has been certified platinum in the United States and features the hit single “The Middle.” The tour follows a series of sold-out performances in the United Kingdom scheduled for August 2026.

The tour is promoted by Live Nation and includes a stop at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, Ore., on July 17. The band will also perform at the Vans Warped Tour in five cities, marking their first appearance at the festival in 25 years. Other notable venues include the Brooklyn Paramount on June 16 and Chase Field in Phoenix on Sept. 6.

A rotating lineup of special guests will join the band on select dates throughout the North American trek. These artists include Rise Against, Motion City Soundtrack, Sunny Day Real Estate, Thrice, The Get Up Kids and Hot Mulligan. Additional performers such as Mom Jeans, Minus the Bear, PUP and Sparta are also scheduled for specific shows.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Adkins said the band members are approaching the tour with a sense of gratitude that differed from their experience when the album first debuted. He noted that the group is still surprised by the long-term impact of the music.

“When we printed the last mix of Bleed American, we felt like we had achieved something great for ourselves,” Adkins said. “There was no barometer of how it would connect with people outside of the studio and we are still in awe with the life the record and songs have had since their original release.”

Adkins said the anniversary shows will feature updated production elements to reflect the band’s history. He described the tour as a way to celebrate the record’s connection with the audience.

“I feel like at this time in our lives, especially for me, it’s important to get back to a place that you can savor,” Adkins said. “This tour is designed to be an elevated version of our show, a heightened experience with production that reflects 25 years of learning how to stretch artistically in the live environment.”

Drummer Zach Lind said the tour serves as a way to show appreciation to fans who have supported the band’s career. The group intends to play the “Bleed American” album in its entirety along with other material.

The album “Bleed American” was released on July 24, 2001, through DreamWorks Records. Its most successful single, “The Middle,” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a place in the Spotify Billion Streams Club in 2024. Billboard reported that the record helped the Arizona-based quartet achieve platinum success in the United States.

Several modern alternative and pop-rock artists have identified the album as a primary influence on their music. This list includes Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Dashboard Confessional and Taking Back Sunday. SPIN described the record as a lasting example of rock music from the era that resisted temporary trends.

Ticket presales for Citi and American Express cardmembers begin Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. local time. General ticket sales will open to the public on Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. local time through the band’s official website.

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Campbell Porter

(Update: clarifying information, adding video, comments from residents)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rural residents in Deschutes County will soon be able to roll their recycling carts to the curb for the first time.

After holding a public hearing earlier Wednesday, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a plan allowing Republic Services to provide commingled curbside recycling in distant rural areas that currently only have trash pickup. The new service will cover areas south of Sunriver and rural zones north and east of Bend, Redmond and Sisters. It does not cover urban areas like downtown Bend or Redmond.

Households in those areas now receive garbage collection from Wilderness Garbage and Recycling, Bend Garbage and Recycling and High Country Disposal*, but none of those companies offers curbside recycling in those specific zones. Under the approved proposal, all customers will see a $6 monthly increase on their trash bill, whether they choose to participate in curbside recycling or not.

For residents like Kim Lavelle, who lives in one of the affected rural areas, the change has been a long time coming.

“It’s really frustrating. We want to do what’s right. We just can’t. Our hands are tied,” she said, describing the difficulty of recycling without curbside service.

Another resident, Laura, said the extra effort required to haul recyclables to drop-off locations keeps many people from recycling at all.

“It’s definitely an effort. I think a lot of people in our community probably don’t recycle because of the effort. It does take a lot of extra trips and time management, as opposed to having something that you can just do right at your curbside,” Laura said.

With the commissioners’ vote, Republic Services will begin delivering recycling carts to eligible rural customers and is set to start commingled recycling collection after July 1, 2026.

The county says the new service is intended to make recycling more accessible and convenient for residents who have been asking for better options for years.

*Wilderness Garbage and Recycling, Bend Garbage and Recycling, and High Country Disposal are the current trash providers for those specific distant rural zones, even though Republic Services acquired High Country Disposal, Bend Garbage & Recycling, and Deschutes Recycling back in 2019 for urban service in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters.

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CNN Newsource

By Auzinea Bacon, CNN

(CNN) —

Eddie Bauer LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday and hopes to sell about 200 of its namesake outdoor sportswear stores in the United States and Canada, citing declining sales and supply chain challenges.

The company said its financial headwinds were exacerbated by the Trump administration’s uncertain tariff policies and inflation, among other factors.

Most of the outfitter’s locations will remain open while the company looks for a buyer. But if that process fails, Eddie Bauer shops in the US and Canada operated by the LLC could close, the company noted. The company couldn’t say when individual stores may close, a spokesperson told CNN over email. (KTVZ News reported last week that Bend store employees were informed of the impending closure.)

“While the leadership team at Catalyst was able to make significant strides in the brand, including rapid improvements in product development and marketing, those changes could not be implemented fast enough to fully address the challenges created over several years,” Marc Rosen, the chief executive of Catalyst Brands, which owns the Eddie Bauer brand, in a statement.

This is the third bankruptcy for the more than 100-year-old company, following a Chapter 11 filing in 2003 and six years later, because of the 2008 financial crisis.

Eddie Bauer stores outside of the US and Canada will remain open because they are operated by other licensees, the company said in a press release. The company’s online sales and wholesale operations will transition to a different firm called Outdoor 5 LLC, allowing e-commerce to remain available.

The brand isn’t the first major retailer to file for bankruptcy so far this year. Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in January amid a broader luxury market slump and under high debt loads from buying its luxury rival, Neiman Marcus.

“This is not an easy decision, and we are grateful to the Retail Company’s associates and customers for their loyalty and trust,” Rosen said. “We are working to minimize the impact on the Retail Company’s employees, vendors, customers and other stakeholders.”

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After an extensive and thoughtful search process, the Central Oregon Trail Alliance has announced the hiring of Casey Andrews as the new executive director.

The search engaged the Hiring Committee of the Board of Directors, additional board members, staff, and volunteers, who collectively dedicated more than 1,000 hours reviewing over 40 applicants, conducting interviews, and evaluating the organization’s needs and long-term vision, COTA said in a news release Monday that continues below:

Andrews has called Bend home for several years and is grateful to live in a place where trails are woven into everyday life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, exploring Central Oregon’s trail systems and public lands.

Trails hold deep personal meaning for Andrews as places of connection to nature, to community, and to stewardship and she values the role they play in supporting both individual well-being and shared responsibility for the landscapes we all enjoy.

Andrews brings 15 years of experience in public lands management, including roles with the National Park Foundation, National Park Service, and U.S. Forest Service.

During her tenure with the Forest Service, she worked closely with Central Oregon Trail Alliance on trail planning, grant development, project management, and project implementation, building a strong foundation of collaboration and trust over many years.

Her professional background includes managing complex, multi-partner projects; overseeing grant-funded trail work; and coordinating across agencies, nonprofits, and volunteer groups to deliver durable, on-the-ground trail development and maintenance.

“With an extremely strong pool of candidates, we are thrilled to welcome Casey Andrews to the organization,” said Eric D’Orvilliers, COTA Board of Directors Vice President. “Casey’s background and familiarity with COTA are a huge benefit to us. Her breadth of experience across the various pillars of our mission, combined with her vision for COTA’s future, is what truly stood out in the hiring process.

“She leads with both passion and a genuine interest in the stakeholders of our organization. With our new five-year Strategic Plan in place and Casey’s leadership, COTA is poised to grow, deepen community connections, and continue providing the best riding experience possible for Central Oregon.”

“Trails are where community, conservation, and stewardship come together,” said Andrews. “I’m excited to join COTA because it reflects the best of Central Oregon: care for public lands, collaboration, and a community that shows up to steward the trails we all love and enjoy.”

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, just announced that its annual peer-to-peer fundraising event, the 2026 Bowl For Kids’ Sake is back and taking place on Thursday, May 7, at Sun Mountain Fun Center in Bend.

This year, the event goes retro with an 80s-themed cosmic bowling extravaganza – and everyone, including kids, are invited, the organization – a 21 Cares for Kids partner – said in a Monday news release. 

Bowl For Kids’ Sake brings together friends, families, and co-workers to raise funds that directly support BBBSCO’s youth mentoring programs across Central Oregon. It’s a day of community, celebration, and making a real difference for kids in our community. 

Get Involved! 

BBBSCO is currently seeking: 

We need you to make teams!  

You put together a team of 4-6 people 

We give you our peer-to-peer fundraising website 

You earn prizes for top fundraising team, individual to bowler, best costume and more! 

Corporate Sponsors! More information on our website.  

Teams raise funds leading up to the event, then come together on May 7 to bowl, celebrate, and support mentorship. No bowling experience is required – just enthusiasm and a desire to make an impact. 

Why It Matters 

Funds raised through Bowl For Kids’ Sake help match local youth with mentors, empowering young people to build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in school, at home, and in their communities. BBBSCO currently serves 220+ kids per year. Littles are 91% more likely to feel an increased sense of belonging, 95% plan to graduate from high school and 20% more likely to enroll in college.  

Join the Fun 

Register your team, learn about sponsorship opportunities, or get answers to FAQs at: https://bbbsco.org/events/. 

“Bowl For Kids’ Sake celebrates the relationships that transform lives in Central Oregon,” said Jenn Davis, Program Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon. “We can’t wait to see the community come together, rock their 80s gear, and support the next generation of mentors and mentees.” 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 

A program of J Bar J Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO serves over 220 youth annually and continues to grow programming. We are committed to serving at-risk youth and youth facing adversity with mentors in our community.   

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