Category: ktvz-local-news

Campbell Porter

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Kotek announced a $65 million statewide investment Tuesday, to add 146 new residential behavioral health treatment beds. Among the more than a dozen funded projects across Oregon, $1 million is going towards The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. That money will fund a residential treatment home with a 5-bed capacity.

Below is the press release provided by Governor Tina Kotek’s office:

Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced a $65 million statewide investment that will add up to 146 new residential behavioral health treatment beds and support the continuation of 128 existing beds, significantly increasing Oregon’s capacity to serve adults who need care. The funding was made possible through House Bill 2059 from this year’s legislative session to increase the capacity of residential behavioral health services providing withdrawal management, residential treatment, and psychiatric inpatient care services.

Projects were selected to meet urgent local needs and to open as quickly as possible, with new beds expected to come online between December 2026 and January 2028.

“Every bed we add is a safe place for an Oregonian who needs help,” Governor Kotek said. “Since I came into office, we have identified what types of treatment access we need and where we need it. Now we must stay the course on closing the gap. This investment is one more step to the Oregon I know is possible – where access to mental health and addiction care is affordable and close to home.”

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) worked closely with community partners to shape the investment and ensure funding is directed to regions and services with the greatest need.

“These investments put real momentum behind Oregon’s efforts to expand residential behavioral health services,” said OHA Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “We are adding and preserving treatment beds across the state so people can get care sooner, closer to home, and in the right setting. This funding reflects what communities told us they need most.”

Funded projects include:

Sequoia – $4 million for a 12-bed secure residential treatment facility in Washington County

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare – $7.7 million and $7.6 million for two 16-bed secure residential treatment facilities in Multnomah County

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs – $1 million for a 5-bed residential treatment home in Jefferson County

Sanctuary Agency LLC – $200,000 for a 9-bed residential treatment facility in Marion County

NiBBus – $1.2 million for an 8- to 16-bed residential treatment facility in Curry or Coos County

Shangri-La – $2 million for a 5-bed residential treatment home in Marion County

New Narrative – $5.2 million for a 10-bed residential treatment facility in Washington County

Samaritan Health Services – $7.5 million for a 10-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Benton County

Volunteers of America – $1.53 million to preserve 54 substance use disorder treatment beds in Multnomah County

Central City Concern – $6 million to preserve 74 substance use disorder treatment beds in Multnomah County

On Track – $150,000 for a 10-bed substance use disorder residential treatment facility and $5.52 million for a 21-bed treatment and withdrawal management facility in Jackson County

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde – $1 million for a 16-bed withdrawal management facility in Marion County

In addition to supporting new and expanded facilities, a portion of the funding will be held in reserve to address rising construction and labor costs, helping ensure projects can be completed successfully. Project details may be updated as final plans are completed.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding comments from Mt. Bachelor manager, local skiers & snowboarder, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After weeks of waiting, the lifts at Mt. Bachelor are finally spinning again.

The popular Central Oregon resort officially opened Tuesday morning, and eager skiers and snowboarders lined up early to make the first tracks of the season.

Warm early-season weather meant a slower start than usual, with limited terrain and a modest snow base, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Visitors filled the mountain with excitement and energy as the long-awaited season got underway.

“It’s such a huge relief,” said Mt. Bachelor general manager, John Merriman. “The waiting game the last few weeks has been difficult for all of us — whether it’s employees or guests. But we’re just so happy to be open. Everyone is so excited, they’re being so great. There’s the easy drive up to the mountain today and people are just so stoked in the lift line.”

The mountain drew everyone from first-time skiers to seasoned locals eager to kick off winter. Bend residents Saylor, Winter, and Neve said the best part of opening day was “just being up on the mountain” — and agreed their favorite run is Cliffhanger.

Snowboarder Chris Gilbert, also from Bend, summed it up simply: “Snow is great. Happy to be out here. Any day not working and at the mountain is a great day.”

Despite the delayed start, many guests believe the best is yet to come. Mt. Bachelor plans to operate through the end of May, offering one of the longest ski seasons in the country.

“I just really want to thank our team for making this happen,” Merriman added. “It’s just so great to see all the smiling faces again. We can’t wait to get going. Here we are!”

The buzz at the mountain marks the official start of ski season in Central Oregon — and for many, the start of months of winter fun ahead.

Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Opening day at Mt. Bachelor is finally here! The resort said it’s excited to welcome everyone back to the slopes. Eager mountain-goers are already lining up at Pine Marten to try and grab the first chair.

Skiers and snowboarders can expect to hop on Skyliner, Little Pine, Pine Marten, and Red Chair, conditions permitting. Today’s forecast calls for a low around 20 degrees and a high of 30 degrees with light winds and a chance of snow showers starting at Noon that could bring another 2″ of snow!

“There will be 10 groomed trails and a small Woodward Mountain Park in Pacific City with approximately 10 features. Ski area boundaries will be Leeway on the west and the top of Sunrise lift down to the West Village Getback on the east. Chipmunk carpet will be available to guests and requires a $0 lift ticket,” the resort said in it’s daily Mountain Report.

Guests can enjoy a variety of on-hill celebrations, including the annual opening day banner breakthrough at 9 a.m.

Beginning at 10:30 at Rock Bar, enjoy free cake and beer and music by DJ Da Funk Conductor. A toast to the season will take place at 11 a.m.

For the full schedule of events, click here.

Mt. Bachelor says to be advised of early season conditions. Expect marked and unmarked obstacles across the mountain and please ski or ride with caution and stick to open, groomed terrain.

“Starting today, Mt. Bachelor’s uphill policy will take effect and a free Uphill Pass & armband will be required. The CET shuttle will be running but the Interlodge shuttle will not. Sunrise parking lot is closed. All food & beverage offerings are out of West Village Lodge. Pine Marten Lodge will be open for restroom use only,” the resort said in it’s daily Mountain Report.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — City of Bend rolls out clearer parking rules and a streamlined ticket process starting January 1, 2026, aiming for fairer enforcement. The updates target EV charging, RVs, and commercial vehicles while shifting citations to Municipal Court.  

This means when you get a ticket, you must make arrangements with the municipal court within 14 days, just like a traffic ticket. The city says this will make dealing with tickets fairer and easier. 

David Abbas, Director of Transportation and mobility for the City of bend says, “(it’s )just that judicial oversight and consistent, you know, fair, equal, approach to those citations, just like a traffic, citation, instead of having those be handled differently in separate areas, putting it all within that, within that judicial system. ”

Parking rates, time limits, permits, and enforcement tools remain unchanged. The Passport app continues for payments and permits, with ticket data syncing nightly to court systems.  

New regulations require cars in EV spots to be actively charging active;u charging in EV spaces.

There’s a new regulation against RVs oversized vehicles from blocking sidewalks or lanes. Heavy commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds, such as semi trucks, cannot park in residential areas overnight from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Trailers and campers can only stay for 72-hour in street parking, unless attached to a motorized vehicle. Time limits now mandate moving one full block after expiration.  

Starting January 21, handle tickets online at bendoregon.gov/parkingcitation or in-person; meter/overtime fines begin at $12, rising to $25 after 6 days and $45 after 10.  

Education runs January 4-19; new tickets process from January 20. Visit the city’s website for details.

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Campbell Porter

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is increasing patrols across Central Oregon this holiday season as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative to reduce impaired driving.

Deputies will be on the lookout for drunk and impaired drivers through New Year’s Eve, joining law enforcement agencies across the country in an effort to keep roadways safe during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

“We want everyone in Deschutes County to enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season,” Sheriff Ty Rupert said. “That means planning ahead, driving sober, and looking out for one another. Our deputies will be increasing patrols to help prevent tragedies before they happen.”

Winter conditions can already make driving hazardous, and adding alcohol or drugs to the mix only increases the risk. National data shows that alcohol-related crashes cost the U.S. an estimated $57 billion annually. Locally, deputies say even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time behind the wheel.

The Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to plan ahead before celebrating: designate a sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare, or find another safe ride home. Officials also urge residents to report suspected drunk drivers and to keep friends from getting behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

For more information on drunk driving prevention, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Monday, Mt. Bachelor announced it’s opening date for the 2025-26 season. The resort will open Tuesday, December 23.

The latest opening date on record was during the 1976-77 season, when the resort opened on January 2nd. They’ve opened with less snow in the past, According to John Merriman, President and General Manager of Mount Bachelor. “There’s been years where we’ve opened with just a little pine only.” Said Merriman, “But, you know, thankfully, this year we should have a great offering for you will have Red chair. We’ll have Pine Martin, we’ll have Little pine, and we’ll have Skyliner. I’m just so thankful to the team. They really worked their tails off to get everything ready. “

As of this morning, the resort is reporting a base depth of 19″, with 6″ falling in the last 24 hours and snow in the forecast every day for the next week. Click here to view Mt. Bachelor’s live cameras.

Crews are grooming what they have at the best there’s with higher amounts at mid-mountain. Conditions permitting, the mountain expects to have Skyliner, Little Pine, Pine marten, and Red Chair open.

Read the full press release from Mt. Bachelor below:

Mt. Bachelor plans to open for the 2025/26 winter season tomorrow, Tuesday, December 23, conditions permitting. The past seven days have delivered 19” of snow to the base area, with higher totals at mid-mountain, and continued snowfall in the forecast all week. Additional operational details—including expected lifts and trails, Opening Day events schedule, and CET bus route services—will be released later this afternoon in the Mountain Report.

Uphill access and Nordic trails will remain closed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday. At that time, Mt. Bachelor’s uphill policy will go into effect. A free Uphill Pass and armband will be required for all uphill travel.

With early season conditions present, Mt. Bachelor advises skiers and riders to exercise caution and stick to open, groomed terrain. Marked and unmarked obstacles will exist across the mountain.

The resort is also thrilled to confirm the following seasonal events:

December 23: Piano Flow Live Night #1

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ski or snowshoe candlelit trails under the stars to music by award-winning pianist, Paula Dreyer’s. Headphones transmit the live concert to the trails within a 1/2 mile radius. Alternatively, guests can listen acoustically in the lodge by the fire while the Nordic Café serves up tasty food and drinks. Tickets should be purchased online in advance. Rates vary depending on passholder status, headphone rental, and choice of listening to the concert from the lodge or trails. Costumes, headlamps, and glow-in-the-dark attire are encouraged! 

December 24: Santa On The Slopes

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Santa will be descending on Mt. Bachelor to spread the holiday cheer once again this Christmas Eve! Grab the family and try to catch Ole St. Nick as he cruises around the slopes, passing out candy and snapping pics.

December 25: Santa Run

11:00 a.m.

Suit up in Santa gear and join a festive group ride off Pine Marten chairlift at 11:00 a.m. on Christmas morning. Santa’s will meet on the snow by West Village Lodge by the Mt. Bachelor wind blade.

December 27-28: Kids Après – Cookie Decorating

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Treat the family to a free cookie decorating event at the Kids Après lounge, located on the lower level of West Village Lodge. Kids can decorate cookies with colorful icing, sprinkles, and fun toppings to make delicious, personalized treats.

December 31: New Year’s Eve Luminaria

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Embark on a candlelit adventure to ring in 2026 in the great outdoors. The Luminaria Trail extends for 2 kilometers and is open to both skiers and snowshoers. The Nordic Café will be serving up food and beverages and Nordic staff will tend to an on-snow bonfire. Headlamps, costumes, glow-in-the-dark attire, and general merriment are encouraged! While this is a self-guided tour, a Half-Day Nordic Trail Ticket ($24 adult / $16 senior & youth) or a Nordic Season Pass is required and may be purchased at the Nordic Lodge. Nordic Rentals and Retail will also be open during the event.  

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: adding video)

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, December 20th just after 6 p.m., the Crook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash on SE Juniper Canyon near milepost 4. An investigation was conducted and the driver was arrested.

The agency said a white Dodge pickup was traveling southbound but went across the northbound lane and collided with a rock and dirt embankment and the Dodge rolled onto its passenger side.

The driver, identified as a 36-year-old resident of Prineville, was treated on scene by Crook County Fire and Rescue. Deputies believed alcohol and speed were contributing factors to the crash. The driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Reckless Driving.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mt. Bachelor community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members — Riggins, a long-time avalanche rescue dog who passed away Thursday, December 18th, surrounded by his family at 14 and a half years old.

Riggins was the trusted partner of Betsy Norsen, who has been part of the Mt. Bachelor team for more than 25 years. Norsen has served in several leadership roles over the years, including Patrol Director, Director of Mountain Operations, and Senior Mountain Operations Manager.

Riggins joined the Mt. Bachelor team in 2011. His first ride on the mountain came that summer — tucked inside Betsy’s jacket at only seven weeks old. From that moment on, the duo was inseparable. Riggins patrolled full time through 2022, training and serving as part of the resort’s avalanche safety team. Even after retiring, he continued to spend time on the mountain, taking his final chairlift ride this past summer.

Known for his love of the slopes, rivers, trails, and lakes, Riggins thrived outdoors — whether running cat tracks, swimming, or playing fetch. His playful energy and strong work ethic made him a standout avalanche rescue dog and a cherished member of the Mt. Bachelor family.

Over the years, Riggins answered to many nicknames — Riggy, Riggles, Ribbons, Riglet, and Riggs among them. His family finds comfort knowing he’s reunited with his late brother, Kenai, who also served as an avalanche dog.

“Raise a carrot, apple, or anything crunchy for Riggins,” his family shared, remembering a loyal companion whose spirit will always be a part of the mountain he loved.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Mt. Bachelor community is mourning Riggins, a beloved avalanche rescue dog, teammate, and friend, who passed away Thursday, Dec. 18.

Betsy Norsen, a Mt. Bachelor veteran of nearly 26 years and longtime Patrol and Mountain Operations leader, brought Riggins to the mountain in 2011, when he took his first ride tucked in her jacket at just seven weeks old on the Fourth of July.

Riggins patrolled full time through 2022 and kept visiting the mountain in retirement, taking his final chairlift ride this past summer.

Riggins went by many nicknames over the years, including Riggy, Riggles, Ribbons, Riglet, and Riggs.

Betsy Norsen says his late brother, Kenai (also an avalanche dog) was his best friend, and their family finds peace in knowing that the two will be reunited in the afterlife.

The Mt. Bachelor team invites everyone to raise a carrot, apple, or anything crunchy for Riggins, whose legacy will always live on across the mountain he called home.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The first ever Deck the Walls Event took place on Saturday with hundreds of people in attendance.

Outside of Bend Brewing Co. the skiing and snowboarding competition brought the community together and brought snow with them.

The Snow the riders are riding on is fresh snow brought from Mount Bachelor. The excitement is palpable.

Packy Deenihan, the owner of Bend Brewing Co, told KTVZ News, “I think everybody’s really anxious to see some snow and see a snowboard and ski event. This morning when the snow got dropped off, there was like 30 people who just showed up with shovels ready to work. It was really cool to see the community come together and, you know, just all manpower brought the snow down here and shaped everything. it’s been really cool.”

The event had incredible tricks, an amazing atmosphere, and all family fun.

This was the first time many of the 25 local riders were on snow since last season.

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Triton Notary

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite a late push from the James Madison Dukes, scoring the last 3 touchdowns of the game, they were unable to topple the Mighty Oregon Ducks. A late field goal from Atticus Sappington all but secured the 51-34 win for the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks are now looking ahead to the Orange Bowl where they will go toe to toe against the 4th ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. KTVZ Sports director Dylan Anderman will have more tonight in the 10/11 including sound from the post-game press conference.

Ducks drive stalls giving the Dukes another opportunity. They make the most of it and score with 10:26 left in the 4th quarter. Ducks lead is dwindling but still 48-26 during the 4th.

The Dukes pounced on the turnover opportunity and capitalized with a 24 yard passing touchdown from Alonza Barnett III. Ducks still with a comfortable lead, 48-20 with 1:15 left before the 4th quarter.

A strongside blitz pressured Dante Moore as the Ducks were knocking on the door for their 8th touchdown. Instead, he threw an interception to the Dukes putting them in position to score again putting pressure on the Ducks defense with less than 2 min to go in the 3rd quarter.

Ducks are excelling on all three phases; special teams showed up again late in the 3rd quarter with a blocked punt recovered for a TD by Jayden Limar. Ducks take commanding 48-13 lead with 6:10 left to go in the 3rd quarter.

Oregon’s offense picked up where they left off in the 1st half on their first drive of the 2nd half. QB Dante Moore led the offense on a 4 play, 75 yard drive ending in a 45 yard receiving touchdown from Malik Benson, who has been pivotal for the Ducks all year. Ducks extend their lead to 28, score is 41-13 Ducks with 10 min left in the 3rd quarter.

Momentum carried from the end of the first half for the James Madison Dukes. JMU receiver Nick DeGennaro scores his first touchdown of the day with a 46 yard reception from QB Alonza Barnett III. Ducks still lead 34-13.

The Duke’s scoreless drought ends with :06 seconds left in the 1st half after they kicked a field goal to put the score at 34-6 heading into halftime.

JMU is not going away without a fight. Their defense made a stand and created a turnover and put their offense in great field position with 1 min left in the 1st half.

Things are working well for the Oregon offense and have all game. Their latest drive which only took 1:45 ended with a deep 46 yard passing touchdown to Malik Benson from Junior QB Dante Moore. Ducks on a roll and up big 34-3 with 4 min left in 1st half.

Oregon’s offense continues to fire on all cylinders midway through the 2nd quarter. Jeremiah McClellan snagged two passes from QB Dante Moore on the 4 play drive, the second for a 20 yard TD to give the Ducks a commanding 27-3 lead with just over 9 min left in the 2nd quarter.

Speed kills and the Ducks offense is proving it early in the 2nd quarter. A 56 yard run from Dierre Hill Jr. for his first carry and first TD of the game. Ducks take commanding 20-3 lead with 11:30 min left in the 2nd quarter.

The Ducks get a defensive win to begin the 2nd quarter. JMU Dukes were in prime position to score at least a field goal after a nifty trick play to end the 1st quarter. After two offensive penalties against the Dukes, they were forced to kick a 40 yard field goal. The Ducks special teams came up big with a blocked field goal to keep the lead at 10.

A trick pass play from the Dukes put them in firm scoring position to end the 1st Quarter. Ducks still ahead 13-3 at the end of the 1st.

Dante Moore and the Ducks offense answered back quickly with a 2:37 minute drive capped off by a rushing TD from the Junior QB. Ducks ahead 13-3 with 2:30 left in the 1st quarter of this CFP 1st round matchup.

The Dukes marched down the field before getting stalled in the redzone on their first offensive drive. After a field goal, Ducks are ahead 7-3 with 5 minutes left in 1st quarter.

Ducks score early with a one handed grab from 2nd string TE Jamari Johnson. Have early 7-0 lead.

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