Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just announced, Banda Carnaval is coming to the 2026 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo!

Banda Carnaval will bring the unmistakable sound of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, to Central Oregon on Sunday, August 2nd.

Read the full press release from the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo below:

“The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is proud to welcome Banda Carnaval as part of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series. Taking the stage on Sunday, August 2, 2026, Banda Carnaval will bring the energy, passion, and unmistakable sound of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, to Central Oregon for an unforgettable night at the fair.

Distinguished by its talented group of young musicians, Banda Carnaval carries joy, passion, and the drive for success in every performance. Named after the world-renowned Carnaval Mazatlán, the band embodies the spirit and celebration of one of Mexico’s most iconic cultural events, uniting fans through the rhythm and tradition of Sinaloan music.

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo continues to create a summer experience that brings people together through music, entertainment, and community tradition. From carnival rides and fair food to livestock exhibits and nights filled with live music under the Central Oregon sky, the fair offers something for every generation to enjoy throughout the week.

The concert is free with fair admission, and admission tickets are on sale now. Special VIP front-stage access tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am. Both fair admission and VIP concert tickets are available at tickets.deschutesfair.com 

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo would like to thank our proud concert sponsors Wilco, Indian Head Casino, Kendall Toyota of Bend, and Mike’s Fence Center.

Banda Carnaval is from Mazatlan, Sinaloa Mexico and is distinguished by its composition of talented young musicians who carry joy, passion, and the thirst for success in their blood!  The band is named after the el Carnaval Mazatlan (the Carnival of Mazatlan),  a world renowned event.  The band epitomizes the joy of el Carnaval Mazatlan, uniting fans with the rhythm of Sinaloan music.”

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Cascade Youth & Family Center, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is seeking community members across Central Oregon to provide temporary host homes for youth ages 11 to 17 who are experiencing a moment of crisis.

Through the Host Home Program, volunteers offer short-term, safe housing, typically for up to 21 days, to young people navigating family conflict or housing instability. Hosts receive $45 per night per youth, along with training and ongoing support from program staff.

These homes aim to offer youth stability, care and breathing room while program staff work with families toward reunification and longer-term solutions.

Audrey Scott, a representative for Cascade Youth & Family Center/J Bar J Youth Services, emphasized the immediate impact of host homes.

“Sometimes what a young person needs most is a calm, safe space and someone who shows up with care,” Scott said. “Host homes give youth that pause – a chance to reset and feel supported while we work together to find the best path forward.”

The need for host homes currently exceeds availability throughout the region and community members willing to step in can have a lasting impact, even for a short period.

Cascade Youth & Family Center provides a holistic continuum of care for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, crisis and instability across Central Oregon. This includes services such as emergency shelter, street outreach, crisis intervention, transitional living, independent living support and other housing programs.

To learn more about the Host Home Program or to apply, interested individuals can visit the Cascade Youth & Family Center website at https://cascadeyouthandfamilycenter.org/get-involved/host-home/.

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Kelsey Merison

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Habitat for Humanity will dedicate the final five homes at Woodlands, a 10-cottage affordable housing community in Sisters, on Friday, May 29th, 2026–and the community is invited to come out and celebrate with the new homeowners and learn more about local efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities.

The Woodlands development was created to offer affordable homeownership for individuals and families earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income.

These opportunities are designed to benefit local workers, such as teachers, health care workers, hospitality staff, tradespeople, and service industry employees, who contribute to the vibrant Sisters community.

The home dedication ceremony will run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a community open house from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sisters Habitat Executive Director Peter Hoover highlighted the significance of the project. “This milestone represents years of hard work, community partnership and a shared commitment to ensuring that people who work in Sisters have the opportunity to live here,” Hoover said. “We are excited to celebrate these homeowners and invite the community to see firsthand the impact affordable homeownership can have on families and our community as a whole.”

The dedication marks a continuing effort in Sisters Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build equity and long-term financial stability for community members through homeownership.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking two volunteers to serve on its Recreational Trails Program Grants Advisory Committee, with applications due by June 30th, 2026. The department aims to fill the roles of Biking Representative and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Representative. Selected volunteers will serve three-year terms beginning in January 2027, helping to evaluate grant proposals for statewide trail projects.

The ten-member committee is responsible for evaluating 25 to 40 grant applications each year for trail projects across Oregon. This competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations and government entities for both motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing ones, and developing or enhancing trail facilities.

The RTP Grants Advisory Committee meets once or twice annually, with sessions held either virtually or at various locations throughout Oregon. The time commitment for committee members varies, but it includes reviewing and evaluating numerous grant applications each year. Members serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term. Ideal candidates for the Biking Representative or OHV Representative positions can reside anywhere in Oregon.

Applicants should have experience in at least one of the following areas: land management, recreation planning, trail planning or design, or trail related volunteerism. Trail enthusiasts who are uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement are also encouraged to apply. Strong candidates should demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs for their respective user group. They should also understand broader recreational issues or trends and recognize the importance of providing accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities.

Click here for more information.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Average gasoline prices in Oregon increased 0.7 cents per gallon in the last week, reaching an average of $5.27 per gallon today. This is according to a GasBuddy survey of 1,307 stations across Oregon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen one cent per gallon in the last week, currently averaging $4.47 per gallon today.

Prices in Oregon are 32.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.37 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average is up 45.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.33 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel decreased 0.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.618 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, provided insight into the factors affecting fuel prices. “The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week drifting lower after jumping early in the week as oil prices softened on hopes that diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran could help ease supply concerns,” Haan said. “However, that optimism faded after President Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping failed to produce a breakthrough on Iran, while renewed warnings toward Tehran have helped push oil prices higher again.”

Haan added that global oil inventories are trending toward historically tight levels, making markets extremely sensitive to geopolitical developments and potential supply disruptions.

Historical gasoline prices in Oregon and the national average on May 18 over the last five years include: $3.90 per gallon in Oregon (U.S. Average: $3.14 per gallon) in 2025.

The national average gasoline price data is compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering more than 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Gasoline and diesel prices are likely to remain volatile. With Memorial Day approaching, any sustained increase in oil prices could begin pushing retail fuel prices higher again in the weeks ahead, according to Haan.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With just days until Oregon’s May 19 primary election, voter turnout remains modest statewide, prompting renewed reminders for residents across Central Oregon to return their ballots on time.

According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, election officials had received about 357,000 ballots as of Tuesday, roughly 12% of the 3.1 million sent to registered voters. While that pace is not far off from previous election cycles, it remains relatively low heading into the final stretch.

For voters in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, the message is clear: ballots must be dropped off at an official drop box by Tuesday night to be counted. Ballots sent by mail at this point risk arriving too late.

State leaders are also emphasizing confidence in Oregon’s vote-by-mail system. Officials say elections remain secure, even as they push back against federal pressure they argue could interfere with state and local control of elections.

Meanwhile, attention is also building around key races on the ballot. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports that Democratic U.S. House candidate Janelle Bynum has outpaced other candidates in fundraising and spending in the final weeks leading up to the primary.

Election results are expected to begin coming in Tuesday evening, with counts continuing into the late-night hours across the state.

KTVZ will provide extensive coverage of the primary. KTVZ News will be closely tracking every development in these races. To get the latest, viewers can scan the QR code your see here:

That code links to a page dedicated to the races on the ballot. You can also find updates by clicking “Decision 2026.”

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A newly deployed mobile speed enforcement camera in Redmond has been damaged just days after the city launched its photo enforcement program.

KTVZ News received video appearing to show the transportable unit, located on Southwest Quartz Avenue, tampered with. The video was posted online by an anonymous user.

Redmond police confirmed to KTVZ that the damaged device is the portable speed enforcement unit stationed along SW Quartz. However, officials have not yet released details about how the damage occurred or who may be responsible.

The incident comes shortly after Redmond rolled out phase one of its photo enforcement program, aimed at reducing dangerous driving behavior across the city.

Cameras went live Friday at several high-risk locations, including Northwest 6th Street, Maple Avenue and Northwest 10th Street. A mobile unit was also deployed on Southwest Quartz Avenue.

During the program’s first 30 days, drivers caught speeding or running red lights will receive warnings only. That grace period began May 15.

Starting June 15, violations will result in citations ranging from $165 to $440, with fines doubling in school zones.

Police say the goal of the program is to improve safety and reduce crashes on Redmond roads.

KTVZ will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new prize honoring innovative solutions to challenges across the American West was awarded Sunday evening at the High Desert Museum in Bend.

Brad Parry, vice chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, was named the inaugural winner of the Schnitzer Prize of the West. The $50,000 award was established in partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Parry was recognized for his leadership of the Wuda Ogwa Cultural and Land Restoration Project at the site of the 1863 Bear River Massacre. Organizers say the project has become a national model for ecological healing, cultural preservation, and collaboration between Tribal members, local farmers, and government agencies.

“We’re weaving together our cultural history with modern climate practices,” Parry said.

“We started just because it’s our cultural belief. And to be recognized for kind of pushing that forward is extremely important to us. It tells our story. And to me, it’s the most humbling thing that literally has ever happened. And so it’s a great honor to be there,” Parry explained.

Jordan Schnitzer spoke of the award’s creation, saying its intention is to honor those working on long-standing Western issues through uncommon collaborations and thoughtful protection — both environmental and cultural.

“We should have a new prize that focuses on the unsung heroes that are working on fire issues, water rights, tribal issues, fishing issues, best ranching practices,” Schnitzer said.

“People with different opinions can come together, work together, compromise a bit here and there, and come up with solutions for the betterment of all of us,” Schnitzer added.

Sunday’s reception also recognized four finalists for the prize.

Organizers say the goal is to continue highlighting leaders whose work brings communities together and strengthens the future of the West.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Old Mill District was filled with classic cars, custom builds, and vintage motorcycles Sunday as the Old Mill Classic Cruz returned for its second year.

The event brought together car enthusiasts, local vendors, and families for a day organizers say is about more than just showcasing vehicles — it’s about building community connections.

Proceeds from this year’s show benefit Warrior Impact of Central Oregon, a nonprofit that helps local veterans build purpose, connection, and support after their service.

For many participants, the show offered a chance to share the personal stories behind their cars. Among them were the Putnams, original owners of a 1967 Mercury Cougar, who were attending their first car show.

“It’s been very fun. We got to talk to a lot of people. Kids come up and want to take pictures of the Cougar,” Frank Putnam said.

“One guy came up and said, ‘Well, you know this is not a Mustang!’” Pat Putnam added.

With support from vehicle registrations, sponsors, and volunteers, organizers hope to expand the Old Mill Classic Cruz into a lasting spring tradition — strengthening community ties and increasing support for local veterans in the years ahead.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For Friday evening’s Pet Pals segment, the Humane Society of Central Oregon brought by Elsa, a two month old Domestic Shorthair/Mix.  She’s described as a very lovely girl, who enjoys getting pets. Elsa is in need of a forever home. Could she be your new family member?

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