Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Tuesday that additional fire restrictions would go into effect for the Central Oregon District, starting on Monday, June 16th. 

Just hours later, an update: The Central Oregon District is now in HIGH fire danger risk. 

We spoke with an ODF representative to find out what led to these additional restrictions and increased risk level.

Jessica Neujahr told KTVZ News what they take into account when changing levels.

“We take cues off of multiple factors, and then from that, make the decision to go up another level in the fire danger. (This time), it was a lot on the high temperatures and the current drying trends that we’re seeing,” said Neujahr.

Some of the restrictions limit what activities can be done – along with where, and when. These also apply to private land. 

“We do our best to ride the line of not over0restricting, while also keeping in mind the conditions and making sure that people are safe. These restrictions are a tool to reduce the number of human-caused fires,” said Neujahr.

As far as how you can help prevent wildfires, staying up to date on your district’s levels and advisories is number one. ODF also recommends keeping certain supplies in your car or on your person, if you are going to a high-risk area. 

“Keep water in your car and a small shovel,” she said. “Because then, if you do see a spark or unattended campfire that wasn’t put out properly, you’re prepared to help take that next step in preventing wildfire by then putting it out.”

About 75% of wildfires are human-caused, the agency says. With Central Oregon’s fire season getting off to a dry, hot start, ODF wants to remind the community that we all need to work together to reduce our risk. 

“Fire is the reality of Oregon right now. It’s not a new normal. We’re living in it. And it is everyone’s responsibility from federal, state, and local agencies to Oregonians to practice that wildfire prevention and do our part in preventing wildfire in the state,” said Neujahr. 

For a list of precautions and additional information, you can find KTVZ’s earlier article here from when the statement was first updated. For further details from ODF, you can visit the ODF website here.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Boil water notice lifted, watering issues remain)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A day-old precautionary boil water notice was lifted Wednesday for hundreds of Avion Water Co. customers in the Long Butte and upper Whispering Pines area north of Bend. But the heat-related water limits mean the area will be under even-odd watering restrictions through the summer.

Residents in the affected area were informed that no outside watering was allowed on Tuesday, to be followed starting Wednesday with a mandatory even-odd watering schedule “until further notice, in order to keep water storage levels at an acceptable level.”

“Failure to abide by these restrictions may cause loss of water pressure to neighboring homes,” the notice stated.

Avion President and part-owner Jason Wick told KTVZ News Wednesday that when Avion bought the Long Butte Water Co. a year ago, the system “was in poor condition. Some of the parts haven’t been touched in 30 years. So we’re covering issues as we go.”

Residents with questions were advised to call Avion’s office at 541-382-5342 or visit their website at avionwater.com.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting June 10th, Bend Animal Emergency Center will have emergency veterinary services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The clinic has expanded staffing to meet this critical need, and aims to provide Central Oregon with the security that comes from knowing they have access to a vet when they need it.

Head Doctor Adam Stone knows the difference immediate care can make. “Emergencies happen at any time. And, a lot of times, what looks like more mild illness can turn into something very severe in a matter of hours.”

“There are numerous conditions that if you don’t get in surgically and within an hour, it can be fatal for certain types of allergic reactions,” he added.

Now, a team of experienced emergency veterinarians and technicians equipped with advanced diagnostic tools are ready to save your pet.

The clinic also offers specialized treatment for advanced medical conditions.

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KTVZ News Sources

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gas prices are ticking down in most states, including Oregon. Refineries are cranking out plenty of product for the summer driving season. However, the price of crude oil has climbed above $65 per barrel, which could cause pump prices to inch up soon.

For the week, the national average for regular slips two cents $3.12 a gallon. The Oregon average also loses two cents to $3.97 a gallon.

“Gas prices are on cruise control as the summer driving season begins. But if crude oil prices continue to climb, pump prices will follow suit,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The Oregon average began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.97. The highest price of the year so far is $4.02 on May 28. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.12. The highest price of the year so far is $3.27 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 12 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, down from 13 a week ago.

Clackamas $4.03

Clatsop $4.06

Columbia $4.18

Curry $4.02

Grant $4.09

Harney $4.18

Jackson $4.05

Lake $4.10

Multnomah $4.12

Tillamook $4.12

Wallowa $4.07

Washington $4.09

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in this country holds steady at 13.40 million barrels per day for the week ending May 30. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been mostly in the upper $60s to mid-$70s since last September, but crude prices dropped in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $65 today compared to $63 a week ago and $78 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But now the cartel boosted production by 411,000 barrels in May and June, and announced the same increase for July.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 49% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 16% is refining, 19% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. decreased from 9.45 million b/d to 8.26 for the week ending May 30, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.95 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply increased from 223.1 million barrels to 228.3. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9 million barrels per day, compared to 9.8 million barrels daily the previous week.

Pump prices will likely be fairly stable or even tick down in the short term, if crude oil prices remain in the low to mid $60s.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 46 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Oklahoma (-7 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Texas (+4 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase.

California ($4.69) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 17th week in a row. Hawaii ($4.48) is second, and Washington ($4.36) is third. These are the three states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 18 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 29 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.63) and Tennessee ($2.69). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.06 this week, compared to $2.12 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 25 states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is two cents less and the Oregon average is six cents more than a month ago. California (-19 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. Florida (+9 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 32 cents less and the Oregon average is 19 cents less than a year ago. Maryland (-53 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Washington (-4 cents) has the smallest.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 17th week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is 10th. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the third week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week decreases: California (-7 cents), Nevada (-6 cents), Arizona (-4 cents), Washington (-3 cents), Oregon (-2 cents), Alaska (-1 cent), and Hawaii (-2/10ths of a cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast jumped from 79.5% to 83.3% to for the week ending May 30. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate rose from 90.2% to 93.4%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 27.2 million bbl. to 27.6 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices have moved higher this week in response to the trade talks between the U.S. and China in London. A positive outcome could improve the global economic outlook, which would likely lead to more consumption of crude oil.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 4.3 million barrels from the previous week. At 436.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI jumped $1.21 to settle at $64.58. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI added 71 cents to settle at $65.29. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $63 a week ago. Crude prices are about $12 less than a year ago. ($77.74 on June 10, 2024)

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pacific Power customers in areas of Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville have been placed on the utility’s “enhanced safety setting,” cutting the risk of wildfires but possibly meaning more – and longer – outages.

Customers in the affected areas received a notice Tuesday of the step being taken “due to elevated wildfire risk in your area.”

They were told the new settings and protective devices on Pacific Power equipment “will automatically de-energize power lines when debris, wildlife or strong winds contact the lines.”

There won’t be notices of specific outages, due to the nature of the system and settings, but “it will shut off automatically if something contacts the line, for the safety of customers and communities.”

Here’s a page with more information about the settings from Pacific Power and below, view a video about the enhanced safety settings:

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Tuesday’s event at Drop Thesis in Bend – Men, Mushrooms and Meaning, centered around men’s growth, healing, and an unconventional tool—psilocybin mushrooms.  

Drop Thesis is a creative wellness space that’s been gaining traction for community discussions on mental health and alternative therapies.  

Facilitators, including mental health advocates and integration specialists, shared personal stories and scientific insights into how psilocybin—when used intentionally and safely—can support emotional processing, self-awareness, and personal breakthroughs, particularly for men navigating trauma, stress, or identity challenges.   

It’s also important to note if you’re a good candidate for psilocybin therapy.   

“There’s also the screening to make sure that people are, that they don’t have a history of schizophrenia or other psychosis that they are, that their heart is healthy, that they’re as prepared as they can be and that they are an appropriate candidate,” said Psilocybin Facilitator, Josh Goldstein. 

Goldstein pointed out a scenario for candidacy.  

“So, for example, if someone has never done therapy and they’re coming to this and they have significant trauma history, that’s not been explored, that would be a significant caution.” 

The discussion also emphasized the importance of setting, support, and proper integration when exploring plant medicine, especially as Oregon continues to roll out its regulated psilocybin therapy program.   

Organizers say it’s part of a broader movement to de-stigmatize mental health care for men—and to offer more tools for healing and connection.  

Here’s Josh Goldstein. 

“Psilocybin Psychedelics, are dilators of experience, so they, much like an aperture on a camera, they open it up. But, when you are looking in, you see what your system has been trying to avoid seeing, which means the experience itself can be rather challenging, and the more challenging experiences oftentimes are the most beneficial.” 

For more information on upcoming events and resources, visit Drop Thesis on social media, or the website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University–Cascades will graduate 340 students at its 24th commencement ceremony on Sunday, bringing the total number of graduates to 5,972 since the Bend campus was founded in 2001.

In addition, with the Class of 2025, OSU-Cascades has trained and contributed more than 800 K-12 teachers and more than 500 mental health and school counselors to serve in Central Oregon and the state.

The class is the fourth largest in OSU-Cascades’ 24-year history.

More than 260 students are expected to participate in the ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m., rain or shine, on the Oval Green on the OSU-Cascades campus. More than 2,500 family and friends are anticipated. Gates will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are required, and attendees must follow OSU’s clear bag policy.

The graduating class will receive 345 degrees and includes five students who will receive two degrees.

The commencement address will be given by Derek Abbey, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, an alumnus of OSU, and president and CEO of Project Recovery.

“This graduating class demonstrates how OSU-Cascades is providing innovative opportunities for students and contributing to the workforce in Central Oregon and Oregon in technical, creative, health and human service, and education fields,” said Sherm Bloomer, chancellor and dean of OSU-Cascades.

“I’m especially proud of how OSU-Cascades’ academic faculty have prepared our graduates to have a positive impact in their careers and on the future of Oregon and the world.” 

Bloomer will preside over the ceremony, and OSU President Jayathi Murthy will confer degrees to students. 

Bloomer will present OSU-Cascades’ Distinguished Service Award posthumously to Mark Kralj, who served in volunteer leadership positions for decades within OSU and at OSU-Cascades, as well as with the OSU Foundation. The award honors individuals, businesses or organizations who have made exceptional contributions to OSU-Cascades, Central Oregon, Oregon or the world.

Kralj and his wife Kathy supported causes in Central Oregon and around the state, and in 2024 established a scholarship fund to help student veterans at OSU-Cascades transition from military to academic life. 

Emily Kralj, Kralj’s daughter, will accept the award on behalf of the Kralj family.

Some additional facts and figures about the OSU-Cascades’ class of 2025:

•    Of the 345 degrees awarded, 256 will go to students receiving bachelor’s degrees, and 89 to those receiving master’s and doctoral degrees.•    Degrees will be awarded in 25 academic programs.•    Five students will receive an OSU Honors degree, which requires completion of advanced classes and a thesis.•    One student has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the nation.•    77% of the graduates are from Oregon, with 43% from Central Oregon. •    OSU-Cascades’ 2025 graduates represent 24 of Oregon’s 36 counties. •    Graduates represent 20 other U.S. states and three countries.•    The graduating class includes 58 students who are the first in their family to earn a college degree.•    Twenty-three graduates are active-duty military personnel or veterans of the national armed forces.•    The average age of the graduating class is 27, the oldest is 60 and the youngest is 20.

The ceremony marks the fourth commencement to take place on the OSU-Cascades campus.

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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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, interviews with City officials, project details, future plans)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s Northeast Second Street between Franklin and Greenwood avenues reopened to two-way traffic on Wednesday. The project, referred to as the Second Street Revitalization, is the first major milestone of the City’s Urban Renewal Project targeting Bend’s ‘Core Area’. According to city officials, it’s just the beginning.

City Engineering Director Ryan Oster told KTVZ News Wednesday, “The main focus was really to make Second Street a more urban environment. The entire project concept and design was driven by the local business owners in the area and interested parties.”

Upgrades to the area include new sidewalks and safer intersections, encouraging ease-of-use and slower traffic. The improvements aim to make the street more inviting for everyone, and help to bring businesses to the area.

Speaking to the enhancements, Oster told us, “There’s some features on Second Street that really encouraged making it a safe area for all the users. We’re really hoping this is kind of a jump-start to a few years of really encouraging growth in the area.”

The growth Oster is referring to is already underway. KTVZ News also spoke with Jonathan Taylor, the city’s urban renewal project manager, about what’s next for Bend’s Core Area.

“Over the next four years, the Urban Renewal Agency is going to invest another $2 million to $5 million in the area. We’re trying to increase housing production as well as continued beautification and overall enhancement of the core area,” said Taylor.

Ultimately, the goal for revitalizing the Core Area is to extend the feeling of downtown through Franklin Avenue into First, Second, and Third streets.

“The overall vision is just to continue that urban design framework where people can live and work in the area,” said Taylor.

The city plans a project completion celebration at 4:15 p.m. next Tuesday at the Dogwood at the Pine Shed, 821 NE Second Street in Bend.

The community is invited to join the city and the Bend Urban Renewal Agency in celebrating the completion of the Second Street (Franklin to Greenwood) project, a Core Area Tax Increment Financing project that signals an urban renewal milestone.

The family-friendly celebration kicks off at 4:15 p.m. with remarks from elected leaders, an opportunity to learn more about the projects and visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy the food trucks and support area businesses.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: OSP releases names, details)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville woman was killed and a Redmond man was seriously injured in a head-on two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Highway 126 in southeast Redmond, Oregon State Police confirmed Tuesday.

OSP troopers, Redmond Fire medics and Redmond Police rushed to the scene of the crash, which occurred around 9:40 a.m. Monday near Southeast Veterans Way and the Redmond Airport.

Troopers said their preliminary investigation found that Carrie Jane Wilson, 45, of Prineville, was driving a Kia Sol SUV heading west when she crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Ford F-250 driven by Richard Alex Byron Szymanski, 67, of Redmond, head-on.

Wilson died at the crash scene, OSP said. Szymanski suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt.

The crash and investigation closed the highway for about three hours.

OSP said the cause of the crash is under investigation. Troopers were assisted by the Redmond Police Department and ODOT.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)) — An unexpected delivery of newborn kittens at Bend Veterinary Clinic has sparked a heartwarming rescue mission involving a local organization – even though “dog” is its middle name.

Over the weekend, a box containing 10 tiny kittens was dropped off at the clinic, Street Dog Hero Marketing and Communications Manager Kelli Delperdang told KTVZ News on Tuesday.

“Sadly, one kitten didn’t make it, but the remaining kittens are thriving,” she said. “One of the kittens does seem to have a neurological disorder, so our vet team has been closely monitoring him.”

One of the kind-hearted employees at Bend Veterinary Clinic has already provided a home to one of these adorable kittens, Delperdang said. The other eight have been welcomed into the loving care of Street Dog Hero, where they will stay with foster families until they find permanent homes.

“Though our organization is primarily known for rescuing dogs, we couldn’t resist helping these kittens in need,” says Street Dog Hero’s Medical Manager, Jaymie Friesner.

The eight kittens will be available to be adopted in a couple of weeks, Delperdang said.

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