Category: ktvz-local-news

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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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A unique winter sports event is taking shape in the heart of Bend, bringing mountain action to the city’s downtown core.

Workers are constructing a wall ride ramp in the backyard of Bend Brewing Company, just feet from Drake Park, for the “Deck the Walls” snow competition. The event is scheduled for Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., with 25 competitors set to showcase their skills on a ramp facing the Deschutes River.

Despite limited snow on the mountain, the event is moving forward thanks to creative problem-solving by organizers.

“Why do something like this? I ask myself that sometimes when I’m in the middle of the build. The number one reason is to bring the community together. That might sound like a line, but, you will see if you come down here Saturday, how special these events are for everybody, not just the athletes,” said Pete Alport, event organizer for Deck the Walls.

To make the competition possible, a local excavation company is transporting snow all the way from Mt. Bachelor. Once delivered, crews will move the snow into place by hand to create the competition surface.

The event will feature prizes for winners and offers spectators a chance to watch winter sports action from the comfort of downtown Bend.

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Campbell Porter

(Update: added video including interview with founder)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A popular early-season snowboard event in Bend is on hold this year due to a lack of snow at Mount Bachelor, but organizers say the heart of the Dirksen Derby, community, fundraising and connection, is still very much alive.

The Dirksen Derby, founded in 2007 by professional snowboarder Josh Dirksen, was postponed for the first time in its 17-year history because there wasn’t enough snow on the mountain.

“The surprising part for an early season event is that it has happened for 17 years, and this year being the 18th edition of the Derby is the first year that we had to postpone it,” Dirksen said. “It wasn’t even low snow — there was pure dirt on the ground.”

Built on community and fundraising

Dirksen said the event began as something fun for Bend’s tight-knit snowboard community, but it quickly became a way to help a friend in need.

“It coincided with the time that our friend Tyler Eklund, who was a young competitive snowboarder at the time, got seriously injured.” Dirksen said.

Seventeen years later, Tyler Eklund remains a central focus of the event. He lives paralyzed following his 2007 accident.

“It’s still a big fundraiser that we raise money and awareness for his situation,” Dirksen said. “But it’s also just a chance to give him and a lot of other people… something to be part of and let them know there is a big community around Bend, Oregon that is supportive.”

This year, the Derby is also fundraising for Michele Schnake and Pat Malendoski, both battling stage 4 GBM brain cancer.

“Tyler Eklund… and this year we have Michele Schnake, our friend who was diagnosed with brain cancer,” Dirksen said. “It’s kind of just awareness for the groups and the individuals in our community that need help.”

Ripple effects beyond the mountain

While the race itself is postponed, Dirksen said the impact stretches well beyond snowboarding.

“The big problem with postponing the event is kind of more the Bend community, the outdoor community, the businesses,” he said. “So much relies on these people coming into town and people getting excited for winter and buying snowboards and ski stuff.”

The event typically draws more than 500 racers from across the Northwest, and beyond.

“We had Japanese that showed up yesterday,” Dirksen said. “That was one of the bummer stories — when people travel from so far, make awesome plans to come out and be in town for the race and snowboard.”

Looking ahead

Even without snow, Dirksen says the Derby’s mission remains the same.

“I want to be a positive voice,” he said. “I want the Derby to bring people together in whatever way we can, whether we have snow or not.”

Fundraising events, including an art auction downtown, are still taking place this weekend to support the causes tied to the Derby.

You can find more upcoming events on The Dirksen Derby website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The public is invited to attend two Sunday vigils to honor and remember community members who passed away this year while experiencing homelessness.

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is a poignant event aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and inspiring collective action to address its root causes, organizers said in an announcement that continues below:

The vigils will take place on Sunday at the following times and locations:

● 8:00 AM – Bethlehem Inn, Redmond (517 NW Birch Ave, Redmond)

● 5:00 PM – Drake Park, Bend

These gatherings provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on the lives of those lost while homeless, acknowledge the challenges they faced, and recommit to supporting individuals and families in need.

This memorial is more than a moment of remembrance; it is a call to action. Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day brings together individuals with lived experience, service providers, advocates, and policymakers to emphasize the urgent need for services, resources, and systemic change.

As we honor these lives, let us work together toward a future where homelessness is eradicated, and memorials like this are no longer necessary.

For more information or to get involved, please contact local service providers or organizations advocating for the homeless in our area. https://cohomeless.org/events/

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