Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding statistics, full story, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In 2024, Oregon topped the list of U.S. states for number of recall attempts relative to its population – 0.76 recall attempts per 100,000 residents.* But so far in 2025, recall petitions are well below the state’s average for this time of year. 

As of June of this year, only three officials statewide were targeted for recall — seven fewer than the mid-year average of the past five years. But here in Central Oregon, things look a little different. 

Despite a statewide slowdown, two local recall campaigns launched in the last two months, signaling that voter frustration may be simmering on a local level.

A recall of embattled former Sheriff Kent van der Kamp started at the end of June by some of his own within the sheriff’s office. That recall attempt was meant to be a fail-safe, if van der Kamp did not resign — but he announced his resignation effective July 31st, mere hours after the recall effort went public. 

The second attempt is led by a La Pine resident, William Minnix of Oregon For The People, whose recall petition against Governor Tina Kotek was approved by the State on Friday. Minnix must collect nearly 293,000 signatures by October 27th. If successful, Governor Kotek would have five days to resign before a recall election would start.

According to BallotPedia, in Oregon, recall efforts peaked in 2024; 32 officials were targeted and 19 were removed from office — a 59% success rate, the highest in recent history.

But a recall doesn’t always mean removal from office. 

Between 2020 and 2024, more than 60 officials in Oregon were targets of recall attempts that did not meet the requirements to trigger an election. 

When voters did weigh in, the outcomes were mixed. Just last year, seven officials survived recall elections, while only two were removed.

Under Oregon law, petitioners must collect valid signatures totaling at least 15% of the votes cast in the election. In addition, those signatures must be collected within 90 days of filing, then verified by the state election office. Due to these hurdles, voters rarely receive a recall ballot. 

Still, local campaigns popping up this year suggest recalls remain a political tool for the public, especially in smaller communities where organizers can mobilize quickly.

Whether Central Oregon’s recent efforts signal a larger shift remains to be seen. Only time will tell if the state’s below-average mid-year trend will continue throughout 2025.

*Information provided by editor at BallotPedia.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Northwest developer Killian Pacific said Tuesday it has secured a long-term retail lease with two beloved Central Oregon businesses – the Way West, a Western-inspired bar with a fresh-cut deli and provisions counter from Bend Brewing Company, in collaboration with Sisters Meat & Smokehouse – at Jackstraw, its 313-unit mixed-use residential and retail project.

Here’s the Northwest developer’s full announcement:

This space will anchor Jackstraw’s retail experience and will bring a distinctly new food-and-beverage concept to Bend’s Southern Crossing neighborhood. Centrally located between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District, Jackstraw spans a 4.7-acre site at Industrial Way and Lava Road and is adjacent to Bend’s Box Factory retail center.

As Jackstraw nears completion, residential pre-leasing began in July, and move-in availability is October. Once complete, Jackstraw will serve as a vibrant new hub for retail, living, and community connection.  

Construction for the Way West is slated to begin in late 2025, and it will open its 3,800-square-foot indoor-outdoor space at Jackstraw in Spring 2026.

Located along Jackstraw’s activated ground floor retail corridor, the Way West will sit adjacent to a dedicated pedestrian plaza on the southwest edge of the site, just south of Lava Pass – a flexible multi-modal street designed for low-speed traffic and occasional community events.

The plaza will feature Fossils of the Future, a site-specific sculpture series by artist E. Tyler Brown, offering a space for reflection, art, and neighborhood connection. 

The Way West will feature a full bar operation, with beer and cocktails curated by Bend Brewing Company, and a fresh-cut provisions counter operated by Sisters Meat & Smokehouse, two local icons known for quality, hospitality, and heart.

A western-inspired horseshoe bar anchors the interior space, while roll-up garage doors open onto a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio complete with a fire pit, shade structures, and flexible seating. The result is a seamless, year-round indoor-outdoor gathering place, a true expression of the Central Oregon lifestyle. 

“The Way West brings together two standout brands that represent the best of Central Oregon’s quality-focused food and beverage scene. We are looking forward to unveiling this new concept to our future resident community and to the surrounding neighborhood,” said Killian Pacific Director of Development Cassidy Bolger. “Their focus on high-quality, personalized customer service, and creating a quintessential local experience aligns perfectly with our vision for Jackstraw and the dynamic mix of retailers we are bringing to the site.”  

A hybrid between Bend Brewing’s award-winning beer culture and Sisters Meat’s fresh butcher offerings, the Way West will bring a brand-new program to Bend’s Southern Crossing neighborhood. It will offer grab-and-go options, marinated and smoked meats, house-made jerky, sausages, as well as a relaxed, family-friendly bar with full-service cocktails and non-alcoholic selections. 

“We’re building something that feels like home — a space that celebrates Central Oregon where people can gather, grab a drink, pick up great food, and connect,” said Packy Deenihan, co-founder of the Way West and owner of Bend Brewing and Waypoint BBC. “This is a local story through and through; this is about collaboration, craftsmanship, and pride in where we live.” 

“Our motto at Sisters Meat has always been to serve amazing products with exceptional service at a fair price,” said Kay Johnson, co-founder of Sisters Meat & Smokehouse. “We’re excited to bring that same philosophy to Jackstraw, and to work alongside another locally grown brand to create something fun, fresh, and deeply rooted in the community.” 

Locally owned and based in Bend, Compass Commercial Real Estate Services provides retail brokerage and property management services for Jackstraw and the Box Factory. 

“The Way West is a fantastic addition to Jackstraw. Their presence will not only attract more exceptional tenants, but also strengthen the synergy between Jackstraw, the Box Factory, and the broader district,” said Russell Huntamer, Partner at Compass Commercial Real Estate Services.

“With the Way West, Sisters Coffee, and Drybar now on board, and the Box Factory just steps away, this area is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic destinations in Central Oregon. The energy and gravity created by these projects is building something truly special, a powerhouse of community, creativity, and commerce. Each tenant has been thoughtfully curated with Bend’s unique ethos, charm, and livability in mind, ensuring Jackstraw feels authentically local while offering something new.” 

Jackstraw has been under construction since Spring 2023 and is now more than 88 percent finished. It has a mix of apartments and townhomes, offering plenty of room and ample storage for everything from bikes to oversized fishing kayaks, modern design, parking for residents, interior courtyards, and refined spaces.

Jackstraw strives to bring new life to the neighborhood with seven stories of apartment homes and resident amenities, including a fitness center and a rooftop lounge looking toward the Cascade Range, a terrace overlooking Lava Road and the Box Factory, landscaped gardens, a resident lounge, and multiple co-working areas.

The ground floor will feature 18,000 square feet of retail space, providing a vibrant mix of local shops, restaurants, and services – energizing the Southern Crossing neighborhood. The Way West joins two recently secured retail tenants, Sisters Coffee Company and DryBar at Jackstraw. 

For more information about Jackstraw, please visit https://www.jackstrawbend.com/. 

For renderings of Jackstraw (focused on the retail), please visit this link: 

250801_Jackstraw_The Way West Announcement Photo credit goes to Killian Pacific. 

For leasing information, please visit: https://www.compasscommercial.com/property/jackstraw/ or call (541) 383-2444. 

About Killian Pacific 

Founded in 1971, Killian Pacific is a Pacific Northwest real estate firm that owns, manages, and develops places with lasting impact across Oregon and Washington. With a team of just 24, we take a highly intentional approach—balancing business outcomes with social and environmental responsibility. As a Certified B Corporation, we believe real estate can be a force for good, shaping stronger communities and a more sustainable future. For more information, visit www.killianpacific.com. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a local non-profit dedicated to affordable housing, is breaking ground later this month on its newest community, Rooted at Antler, on Friday, August 22 from 11 am to 1 pm at 1699 West Antler Avenue in Redmond.

Here’s Tuesday’s full news release:

The community is designed to address Central Oregon’s mid-market housing shortage, offering homeownership to buyers earning up to 120% of the Deschutes County Area Median Income (AMI), a significant increase from the typical 80% AMI. 

Rooted at Antler will feature 

Middle-Income Cottages: Ten single-family, three-bedroom cottages, similar in design to the popular Simpson and Poplar models, will be available for purchase. Seven of these ten cottages are specifically designed for families earning up to 120% AMI, a demographic often underserved by current housing options.  

Accessible Split-Level Duplexes: The community will feature four split-level duplexes, marking RootedHomes’ first homes with ADA accessibility. The four bottom units are designed to be fully ADA accessible, featuring lower counters and larger bathrooms – a direct result of resident-driven design input. The top levels of these duplexes will offer three-bedroom units.  

Enhanced Community Features: Addressing common concerns, Rooted at Antler includes enclosed storage areas off porches, providing convenient space for bikes and other personal items. To alleviate parking limitations, parallel parking will be strategically integrated along the street. 

The lottery for these homes is expected in January/February. This new community is ideally situated across the street from a Housing Works rental apartment development and a Head Start Daycare, creating a comprehensive and supportive neighborhood environment for families. 

“CS Construction is proud to support RootedHomes in turning their exciting vision for the Antler Development into reality,” said Matthew Cohen, Managing Partner of CS Construction. “As a participant on the project team, we have been fortunate to see first-hand the level of commitment, passion, and professionalism the Rooted Team has for creating equitable housing opportunities that enhance and make our community a better place for everyone that calls Central Oregon Home.” 

Eliza Wilson, Executive Director of RootedHomes, emphasized the project’s responsiveness to community needs. “Rooted at Antler is a direct answer to the pressing demand for middle-income housing in Central Oregon.

“We heard the community’s concerns about affordability, and this project directly addresses that by creating homes that are accessible to a broader range of working families. We also listened closely to feedback regarding practical needs, which is why we’ve incorporated thoughtful solutions like more parking and much-needed enclosed storage areas, making these homes truly livable and functional for our future homeowners.” 

To attend the groundbreaking ceremony, RSVP via email destiny@rootedhomes.org. For more information on RootedHomes and Rooted at Antler, visit https://rootedhomes.org/communities/redmond.  

### 

RootedHomes, formerly Kôr Community Land Trust, is a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable homeownership opportunities for the local workforce. By utilizing the Community Land Trust model, RootedHomes ensures long-term affordability and access to healthy homes for generations. This innovative approach allows RootedHomes to steward the land, keeping housing costs down. Prioritizing equitable access to energy-efficient homes and their associated health and financial benefits by developing to net-zero energy standards is a priority of the organization. RootedHomes is committed to empowering homebuyers who have historically faced barriers to building wealth through homeownership. Through sustainable practices and community-centered development, RootedHomes is making a tangible difference in the lives of Central Oregon residents. Learn more at rootedhomes.org. 

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As August begins, fire weather forecasters predict higher-than-average temperatures will continue to dry fuels in the region and, along with lightning, cause numerous natural fire starts across Oregon and Washington, the U.S. Forest Service warned Tuesday

Since the end of May, fire managers in the Pacific Northwest have engaged in fighting 53 large fires covering just over 200,000 acres, including National Forest lands.  

Through initial and extended attack, firefighters work to keep fires small, as they did with last week’s starts from lightning in central, south-central and eastern Oregon.

“However, without significant cooling and rain, communities should anticipate more large fires on the landscape in August and September,” the agency said.   

With four large wildfires currently burning on National Forests in the region, 15 national forests are now in campfire restrictions to help prevent additional human-caused wildfires. Fire danger levels on all National Forests, except the Siuslaw National Forest, are High to Extreme.  

Fire managers say that with numerous expected natural ignitions, now is the time for people to double down on fire prevention efforts. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, this year, nearly 93% of all wildfires in the nation have been started by people. 

For more news and information about national forests in the Pacific Northwest, visit our news page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/r6/news-events or our home page, at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6. For more information about the USDA Forest Service visit https://www.fs.usda.gov. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Planners at Oregon State University – Cascades said Tuesday they have released a request for proposals for a developer to lead the development of the first phase of the campus’s future innovation district. 

OSU-Cascades is seeking a strategic and long-term development partner to oversee the creation of a dynamic built environment that can help realize the university’s vision for the innovation district, attracting mature anchor and startup company tenants to collaborate with the university. 

The concept of an innovation district at OSU-Cascades was initiated during a three-year campus planning process that began in 2013 and engaged more than 1,500 community members. 

Since then, Rebecca Robinson, OSU’s associate vice president for economic development and industry relations, and the senior advisor for strategic initiatives at OSU-Cascades, and campus planners have collaborated extensively with community groups and regional, state and OSU economic development interests to plan for the district.

“Successful innovation districts bring together people, place and programs to achieve outcomes that are more than the sum of their parts,” said Robinson. “We’re excited to work with a team that will create a vibrant and welcoming sense of place, reflect the character of the region, and embrace OSU’s mission to serve Oregon communities through innovative thinking and forward-looking inventions and solutions.” 

The innovation district is envisioned to provide opportunities that advance research, commercial innovations and student experiential learning through collaborations with companies in industries that represent Central Oregon and the state’s economic and workforce priorities, as well as the academic and research expertise at OSU-Cascades.

OSU-Cascades will work with the selected developer to seek tenants in industries such as outdoor products, energy systems and biotechnology, and provide guidance for collaborating with researchers and faculty experts, and for offering student internships and research projects, and job shadowing. 

The selected developer will lease land from OSU and design, build, finance, operate, maintain and manage up to five buildings and associated tenants.

Conceptual plans for the first phase envision laboratories, classrooms, work and meeting spaces, retail operations and market rate housing accommodations within the buildings, along with outdoor gathering and seating areas.

Proposals are sought by Sept. 11 and following a selection process, a signed agreement is expected by Aug. 2026. Proposals will include planned construction of the first two buildings, slated to start in early 2028, with a completion date in late 2029. 

The 24-acre innovation district will be located on what was a county-owned and closed demolition landfill. Land remediation for the first eight-acre phase was completed in early 2024 and infrastructure, including parking, utilities and connections to the campus geo-exchange system, will be completed late summer 2025. 

About OSU-Cascades:  Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest-growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.

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Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Monday that essential investments for Oregon families and rural and underserved communities passed the Senate, including five community-initiated projects for communities across the state championed by the senators.

These investments were included in the first package of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding bills that cleared the chamber with bipartisan support.

“As Congress holds the power of the purse, this government funding process is a check on the Trump Administration’s efforts to drastically cut the federal investments needed for agencies to continue providing essential services for Oregonians and Americans,” the senators said in a news release, which continues below:

“Oregonians turned out in record numbers during my town halls to deliver a clear message—we need to do everything we can to fight against harmful federal funding cuts and to instead double down on investing in the foundations working families need to thrive: housing, health care, education, and good-paying jobs,” Merkley said. “These government funding bills go a long way toward delivering on essential programs and services for families, while providing strong support for critical community-initiated projects that will benefit Oregonians in every corner of the state for years to come.”

“At my latest open-to-all town halls in Eastern Oregon and all this year’s town halls statewide, I’ve heard consistently about the importance of federal investments that keep generating job opportunities; protecting life, property and our natural resources; and supporting quality of life,” Wyden said. “That’s exactly what these investments provide. And I’ll keep teaming up with Oregonians and my congressional colleagues to carry their community priorities back to Washington, DC and return with investment successes like these.”

Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee that writes these government funding bills. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making.

Merkley and Wyden secured four Oregon community-initiated projects in the FY26 Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill that passed as part of the minibus package. The projects are as follows:

$2 million for the Farmers Irrigation District to convert remaining sections of open canal into buried irrigation pipelines in Hood River County. This project will contribute to improved habitats for native fish species, water conservation, and sustained agricultural production.

$2 million to North Unit Irrigation District for the next phase of its irrigation modernization project. Funding will be used toward converting over 27 miles of open-ditch irrigation canals with gravity-pressured buried piping, which will significantly reduce water loss, improve water delivery reliability, and improve streamflow in the Deschutes River. 

$2 million for the Idanha-Detroit Rural Fire Protection Fire District to help construct a new fire station. This will include additional sleeping quarters, training areas, adequate storage for EMS and firefighting supplies, and lead to an overall increase in the effectiveness and responsiveness of first responders.

$648,000 to Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for the construction of a new community center. Wheeler SWCD’s current facility is insufficient to support the public’s needs as the county’s leading natural resource agency. This new space will be a centrally-located innovation hub for multi-agency accessibility to best support Wheeler County’s natural resources work while promoting intra-agency collaboration. 

Click HERE for quotes from community-initiated project recipients included in the Senate Agriculture bill.

Additionally, Merkley and Wyden secured one Oregon community-initiated project in the FY26 Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) funding bill that passed as part of the minibus package. The project is as follows:

$12 million for the Oregon Army National Guard to construct an Army 10-lane Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range (MPMG) at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility (NWSTF) in Boardman. The MPMG is mission-critical for the Oregon Military Department’s Rees Training Center in Hermiston. Currently, Oregon soldiers must travel outside the state for this training, consuming valuable training time and funds while reducing soldiers available for key state contingency operations. The MPMG will provide economic benefits in rural Oregon through the initial military construction work as well as subsequent future use.

Click HERE for the quote from the community-initiated project recipient included in the Senate MilCon-VA bill.

Now that these government funding bills have cleared the Senate, they will next head to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. They are the first of 12 annual funding bills that must pass both chambers of Congress before they can be signed into law. Fiscal Year 2026 starts on October 1, 2025, and ends September 30, 2026.

Merkley and Wyden urge the House to take up the legislation without delay when they are back in session in September to keep vital government systems and programs running and invest in these targeted projects needed in communities across Oregon.

Oregon press and constituents can track the latest updates in the government funding process on Merkley’s Appropriations webpage.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a $17,700 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support the Family Plus Program, which includes mentorship and wrap-around services, helping youth in Central Oregon access essential resources to achieve their goals.  

“This grant will help us empower today’s youth through healthy adult mentorships, career readiness and exploration, and mental health support to thrive and become the confident leaders of tomorrow,” said Alice Ivie, the clubs’ vice president of development. “We’re grateful to Bend Taco Bell locations for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.” 

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.  

BGCB was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Bend Taco Bell, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship and career readiness programs across the community.  

“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”  

Through this grant, BGCB will be able to serve and advocate for our families living in poverty through services that promote positive mental health and well-being for our “youth who need us most.” 

To learn more about BGCB, please visit bgcbend.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit 

https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.    

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school and summer programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character. 

About Taco Bell Foundation  

Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached nearly 9 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $203 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.      

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s newest neighborhood on the deep westside of the City is getting two more businesses: Put A Cork In It Wine Bar and Sparrow Mercado. It comes as the 245-acre Discovery West neighborhood continues to grow with homes, residents, and businesses.

Put A Cork In It! opened two days ago. Guests will be able to purchase hard-to-find regional wines from around the Pacific Northwest, available by the glass or the bottle, as well as charcuterie boards and other delicious bites. The atmosphere will be both elegant and welcoming. Put A Cork In It! will welcome guests Monday through Friday, 4-9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 pm. 

Sparrow Mercado will be Sparrow Bakery’s second location in Bend and in addition to coffee, tea, and bakery items, will offer grab-and-go items such as lunches and after-school snacks. It will also sell popular grocery staples, beer, wine, canned cocktails, kombucha, and more. The shop will be open from 9 am to 4 pm all summer long, with extended hours beginning in September. Look for Sparrow Mercado to open sometime this week.

Romy Mortensen, Vice President, Marketing and Sales of Discovery West, said, “We are thrilled to have Put A Cork In It! and Sparrow Mercado open this summer. These two businesses will add welcoming gathering spaces and delicious offerings to the community, enhancing the neighborhood feel we set out to create when we envisioned what Discovery Corner would become.”

The new businesses will join five others located around the Discovery Corner Plaza including Harcourts the Garner Group, MCD Homes, Harper House Design, and Bluebird Skin Therapy + Aesthetics, and Aerie by AvantStay, luxury overnight vacation rentals. Anna Salon is set to open later this summer, and three retail spaces remain available for lease, and are listed through Compass Commercial.

What is Discovery West?

Discovery West, situated on 245 acres on Bend’s westside, is the newest community in development by the team behind award-winning NorthWest Crossing. Discovery West offers a variety of home types and sizes, Discovery Corner community plaza, select retail shops, Aerie by AvantStay luxury overnight vacation rentals, public art installations, and 40 acres of parks, trails and open land. The development team’s vision for creating livable, detail-oriented communities that respect the Central Oregon landscape and lifestyle is apparent throughout the neighborhood. www.discoverywestbend.com

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Engel & Völkers recently announced its newest shop in Sisters. Leading the venture are license partners Marcel Dolak and Michelle Rea, who also co-own Engel & Völkers Bend, and collectively bring more than four decades of real estate experience in Central Oregon and reciprocal markets.

Dolak also independently owns and leads Engel & Völkers’ Kirkland and North Cascades Cle Elum shop in Washington, and is a partner in the Palm Desert, California shop.

“Sisters is a natural next step for our growing footprint across the Pacific Northwest,” said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “Marcel and Michelle have built an impressive business rooted in the collaboration that defines the Engel & Völkers network. As a recognized Land and Ranch real estate specialist and Private Office Advisor(Dolak), and as members of the Engel & Völkers Development Services group(Dolak & Rea), they are uniquely able to service the distinct needs of home buyers and sellers in the region, as well as its complementary and feeder markets.”

Engel & Völkers Sisters will be located at 101 W Main Ave., serving the markets of Sisters, Camp Sherman, Black Butte, Tumalo, and Redmond. Attracting residents from all walks of life, Sisters is known for the wellness and outdoor lifestyles that characterize Central Oregon. The area offers premier skiing and snowboarding, golfing, fly fishing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding, while also offering daily flights from the nearby Redmond Airport to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and other metropolitan areas. 

“We pride ourselves in creating lifetime relationships with clients and providing luxury real estate service at the top of the market and at various price points,” said Rea. “Since its establishment in 2020, our Bend shop has grown to over 30 real estate advisors. Simultaneously, Sisters’ housing market has experienced substantial growth driven largely by new subdivision construction. Based on our relationships with builders and within the community, it became clear that a dedicated location in Sisters will be important to serve an increasing demand and further create a seamless and interconnected real estate experience for our clients throughout the Central Oregon region.”

“With an ownership stake in five Engel & Völkers shop locations on the West Coast, I have witnessed firsthand the power of the network,” added Dolak. “We operate independently on the local level to bring each community we serve a local and intimate experience, but with the resources and connections of a global brand with over 1,000 locations worldwide. The ability to connect clients up and down the coast through our West Coast collective of shops with area real estate experts and quality listings, from California to Central Oregon and Washington, to Canada, has been invaluable to our growth. We strive to create a curated real estate experience for each of our clients, and to do so with integrity, professionalism, and passion.”

For more information, visit sisters.evrealestate.com.

About Engel & Völkers

Engel & Völkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1977, Engel & Völkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today’s savvy homeowner. The Engel & Völkers Network currently operates approximately 300 shop locations with approximately 6,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the global network of over 16,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate and yachting. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Völkers supports its network of advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings, and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit www.evrealestate.com.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, adding interview with petitioner, statement from secretary of state’s office)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recall effort is underway against Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and it’s led by a Central Oregonian. William Minnix, a resident of La Pine, started the petition recently and told KTVZ News on Monday that the recall is driven by accountability.

Minnix is part of a group called Oregon for the People and filed the initial petition to recall Governor Kotek a week ago. After what Minnix claims were delays by the state, he didn’t receive approval to start collecting signatures until last Friday. 

“I found out the person with the elections office was out on vacation now, and they told me I’d have to wait until August 12th,” Minnix told us. “So I did a press release stating exactly what happened, and I thought the Secretary of State was stalling. Lo and behold, 10 o’clock that day, I got my approval.”

A representative of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office told KTVZ News that Minnix submitted the needed paperwork at 12:30 p.m. on July 31, and was told by Elections Division staff that he’d receive approval within one business day. She said It was approved at 9:12 a.m. the next day, on August 1.

Minnix says the recall effort is strictly a grassroots movement, and volunteers are already gathering signatures in every county.

“I set up two businesses for Deschutes County, which is La Pine Feed Store and Wetlands Taphouse. They have the petition. We were at the County Fair in Deschutes County, and we got well over 500 signatures,” said Minnix.

Minnix believes Governor Kotek has violated her oath of office by failing to protect property owners, over-taxing working families, and favoring undocumented immigrants over federal law. 

“She took an oath to protect the people of Oregon,” he said. “By us not getting federal grants, because she’s not following federal law, that’s a violation of her oath. She’s not protecting property owners. She’s not protecting the citizens. She’s not protecting our well-being.”

Minnix will not name a favored replacement candidate and says the focus is on building momentum ahead of the midterms.

“Our big focus with Oregon For The People is to focus on the midterms, and make sure that we’re able to bring in governing people that are for the people and for our well-being,” Minnix said.

To qualify for a recall election, the group must collect nearly 293,000 valid voter signatures by October 27th. Minnix said he is confident they will not only meet but exceed that requirement. 

“I’m really confident that we’re going to get well over 400,000. At this point, it’s becoming very bipartisan,” he said. “The team is really coming together. Lots of support, and a lot of us are going to be putting in long, long hours.”

If the signature requirement is met and enough are verified by the state election office, Kotek would have five days to resign before a recall election would be started. 

Nationwide, recall activity is down in 2025. According to Ballotpedia, just 223 officials were targeted for recall through mid-June — the lowest number since 2020. In 2024, Oregon had the highest recall attempts rate in the nation, with 0.76 recall attempts per 100,000 residents.

KTVZ News reached out to Governor Kotek’s office for comment on the recall effort. Kotek’s campaign advisor, Thomas Wheatley, issued a brief response:

“The Governor is focused on tackling the toughest challenges facing our state — making housing more affordable, expanding access to mental health care, improving our schools, and ensuring we can pay the workers who run snowplows in the winter and keep our roads safe year-round.”

Minnix hopes to have more signing sites in the coming days. Locations and upcoming efforts will be posted to their website: OregonForThePeople.com.

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