Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management said Monday it is reopening the Priest Hole Recreation Site on the John Day River. Following major renovations, BLM managers invite everyone back to enjoy the site’s improvements.

“We are excited to welcome the public back to the Priest Hole Recreation Site,” said Stephanie Mckinney, the BLM’s Acting Central Oregon Field Manager. “Thanks to our partnership with Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District, these improvements will enhance the visitor experience and support local wildlife, contributing to sustainable recreation in this beautiful area.”

The renovation, led by the Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District, includes the addition of 14 new campsites; two group day use areas; and improved access with necessary amenities, including signs, fire rings, picnic tables and an additional vault toilet.

Additionally, the project has enhanced fish and wildlife habitats through the planting and irrigation of vegetation across 45 acres.

The BLM, Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board came together to make this project a reality, while local organization volunteers from the Oregon Hunters Association played essential roles in improving the landscape and restoring habitat.

The BLM invites visitors to enjoy new campsites, revitalized habitats, and the beauty of the John Day River.

For questions regarding the reopening, contact the Prineville District Office at 541-416-7600.

For information about recreation opportunities at the Priest Hole Recreation Site and other BLM-managed public lands, please visit: Priest Hole Recreation Site | Bureau of Land Management

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Tyson Beauchemin

(Update: Adding video and comments from Communication Director)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The young and young at heart alike starting Saturday will enjoy an entirely new outdoor play experience at the High Desert Museum.

Years in the making, the E. L. Wiegand Ponderosa Playscape will open this Saturday, April 19. A Playscape Party to mark the occasion will take place that day from 10 a.m. to noon with hands-on activities for kids, cookies and beverages. The event is free with admission.

The E. L. Wiegand Ponderosa Playscape is made possible by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation, with support from the Bend Sustainability Fund, a Visit Bend project. This new, permanent addition to the Museum engages children’s playful side while encouraging them to learn about the lifecycle of a ponderosa pine tree.

At every stage of the tree’s life—from cone to seed to adult—it plays an important role in the forest’s ecosystem. Even after the tree’s death, the pine tree remains in the forest as a snag or log and provides critical habitat for plants and animals.

A significant aspect of the Ponderosa Playscape is also its impressive scale, evoking a “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” feel for visitors amid features like 12-foot-tall pine needle bundles and a 12-foot-tall pinecone.

“The Ponderosa Playscape firmly fits into the Museum’s educational approach—through immersive experiences, we evoke wonder and awe to spark curiosity about the High Desert region,” says Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We’re excited to see the joy of even the littlest kiddos playing and learning in this new, dynamic experience.”

“We know that children learn through play.” added Heidi Hagemeier, Director of Communications at the museum. “And we’re known here at the High Desert Museum for providing immersive, hands-on experiences. And the Ponderosa playscape really provides that wonderful intersection of fun and engagement, and also learning in the process about high desert landscapes and wildlife. “

The signature piece in the Playscape is the wood Pinecone Portal, a pinecone large enough for an adult to walk through, carved by Sisters artist J. Chester Armstrong. He is known for his detailed wood carvings and created the cone from logs sourced from the Museum’s 135 acres and donated by the Central Oregon Irrigation District. Armstrong also carved a dozen different forest creatures into another feature, the Discovery Snag. Visitors will be able to search for species ranging from raccoons to bats to mushrooms.

The giant Log Jam Jumble, also made of wood, will provide climbers an outlet. And there are four Pine Needle Climbers, each one in bunches of three, just like Ponderosa pine needles themselves.

The Seed Pod Stage and benches in the Playscape’s center will offer visitors, as well as Museum Kids Camps, school field trips and other programs a place for activities and play.

The Ponderosa Playscape has been several years in the making. It replaces the Dig, Crawl, Climb area and is the first significant renovation project at the Museum since the update of the Autzen Otter Exhibit in 2016. It’s located near the former Dig, Crawl, Climb location above the Autzen Otter Exhibit.

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert region. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Dylan Anderman

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The energy was electric at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend, as the USA BMX Great Northwest Nationals made its return for the 17th consecutive year. Riders from across the country—ranging from first-timers to seasoned pros—hit the track for three days of high-speed racing, community, and celebration of the sport.

Among the competitors was Bend native Olivia Armstrong, who’s no stranger to the national spotlight. Not only is she racing, but she’s also coaching the next generation of BMX athletes through BMX Bend.

“We raised a pro race here. A driver for fun, pro race. But I got to show up for my local crowd and put laps down,” Armstrong said. “It’s a good feeling.”

For Armstrong, this event carries a special meaning—she’s been racing it since childhood.

“I’ve been racing this race since I was like five years old. It’s been in this building. Looks just like this,” she said. “So it’s super cool to see all my kids that I coach out here tracing what I did when I was five.”

The Great Northwest Nationals are a key stop on the USA BMX national circuit, offering both valuable points and a sense of pride—especially for local riders competing on their home turf.

“You want number one on your number plate, you have to win races like these,” Armstrong added. “So it’s pretty special that we have this here in Redmond, Oregon.”

The event drew around 900 athletes and featured over 200 races on Saturday alone. Young competitors buzzed with excitement, many dreaming of podium finishes and the thrill of representing their hometown.

“I’m down there getting ready, drinking water and hoping I can place first, second, or third,” a rider shared.

For these kids, there’s something magical about racing in your own backyard—especially when surrounded by friends, family and future fans.

“I like winning and trophies. I have no idea how many I’ve won—I’ve never counted them. And I think I’m going to win a lot more,” another young racer said with a smile.

But it’s not just about winning—it’s about connection.

“It’s so awesome. I’m pretty sure my first ever win was at this track for a national,” Armstrong recalled. “It brings back all those memories. I just feel the love and the support and the family of BMX. There are people here from California, Texas, Washington, Florida—it’s like one big family coming together in one spot.”

Racing continues through the weekend, with events kicking off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the sport, the Great Northwest Nationals offer a glimpse into the passion, athleticism, and community that fuel BMX racing—and it all comes together right here in Central Oregon.

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Friday morning, a group gathered just outside the Hawthorne Transit Station in Bend to rally for workers.

Cascades East Transit is currently negotiating with the workers’ union, Local 757 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. On the table: wages, benefits and more.

Bus drivers and other employees are still working, so many of the people at the rally were not CET employees, but rather citizens showing support for bus drivers.

At the rally, Peter Loverso told KTVZ News his reasons for attending, saying, “Public transit is how people get to medical help. It’s how they get to work. It’s how they get to their family. It’s necessary for a community.

Of particular concern in this round of negotiations is retaining workers. The union wants incentives for employees to stay with CET for a longer time.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crews have finished installation of the new 18” waterline on NW Portland Avenue through the NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue intersection, City of Bend officials say.

Temporary water bypasses are being utilized to ensure businesses have water throughout construction.  The base for the new shared-use path along NW Portland Avenue is complete.  New concrete, lighting, and signal line equipment is beginning to be installed on NW Portland Avenue and at the NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue intersection.

Crews are installing the sewer force main.  Utilities relocation work will continue. Excavation work will continue along NE Olney Avenue, between NW Wall Street and NE First Street.

Crews have dug a bore pit on the east side of the railroad in preparation for the sewer line boring under the railroad. Boring for the sewer line begins April 15.

The intersection of NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue is anticipated to remain closed through May 2025.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be providing voluntary boat safety inspections on Saturday at three locations around the county.

DCSO Marine Deputies will be present to conduct the inspections. Upon successful completion of the inspection, boat operators will recieve an inspection sticker indicating the boat has passed safety and legal requirements. If the boat does not pass, the boat operator will recieve information on how to bring their boat into compliance.

These free, no-penalty inspections make sure your boat/watercraft complies with state and federal regulations so you can focus on safely enjoying Oregon’s waterways. Go to cgaux.org/vsc to learn more. 

Date:  Saturday, April 12th, 2025 / 9 AM – 2 PM

Locations:

Sheriff’s Office Main Office Parking Lot – 63333 W Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703

La Pine County Services Center – 51340 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR 97739

Big Country RV Service Center – 2872 SW 17th St, Redmond, OR 97756

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With the stock market in the midst of some tumultuous times, many people are worried about the future of their 401(k) retirement savings. For some guidance, KTVZ News spoke Monday with the CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union.

In an interview, CEO Kevin Cole stressed that this is not a time to panic. The recent market fall, somewhat lessened on Monday, will impact you differently, depending on how close you are to retiring. If you’re in a position to delay your retirement, doing so might help you wait it out.

Most importantly, your financial situation is unique to you, and you should meet with a financial advisor to get advice.

“I think of this as, you know, working on your car, right?” Cole said. “Cars these days are super-complicated, and most people when they need a repair or a service, they go to a trained professional.

“Yet: a shocking number of people don’t think that they need to do the same thing with their finances, and that’s where a lot of people make a mistake. So in a lot of cases, a trained financial professional is going to be able to give you advice that’s going to help you maximize the return on your investments.”

Cole says it’s also reassuring the market in Central Oregon is slightly insulated from the national market. For better or for worse, there’s no Fortune 500 company based in our area, and that shields us from some things.

“Central Oregon tends to have a more diverse and more a wider range of smaller companies as its economic base,” Cole said. “And in a situation like this, where there’s a lot of market volatility, that can be an advantage to an area.”

Investing and banking locally can help our economy stay afloat, the Mid Oregon official says. By keeping your money here in Central Oregon, you support your own community and ensure greater stability.