Month: May 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Education Association and its members have awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 14 graduating students of Bend-La Pine Schools to support their post-secondary education and training. 

Each year, BEA awards scholarships to students who demonstrate educational goals beyond high school and meaningful engagement in extracurricular and community activities. This year’s recipients are diverse in their interests and ambitions, but share a deep commitment to service, leadership, and self-growth. 

“It’s an honor to support these incredible students as they take the next step toward their futures,” said BEA President Sarah Barclay. “Their stories reflect the strength, drive, and creativity that thrive in our public schools. These young leaders are ready to make a difference – and we’re proud to stand behind them.” 

The Bend Education Association represents over 1,000 educators, specialists, and licensed professionals in the Bend-La Pine School District. BEA is a local affiliate of the Oregon Education Association and the National Education Association, committed to advocating for public education and supporting the success of all Oregon students. 

BEA awarded scholarships to the following students graduating in June 2025: 

Zachary Miller – Bend Tech Academy Zach will attend George Fox University, where he will study music production and compete in pole vault. “I’ve worked hard to overcome learning challenges, serve my school and church communities, and pursue my passions in music and athletics. I’m excited for what’s next.” 

Emma Longbotham – Bend Senior High School Emma plans to pursue a career in medicine after earning a degree in biology. She writes, “I love to help people and improve lives – and I want to keep giving back to the community that supported me. This scholarship helps me take those first steps.”  Kaiya Thompson – Summit High School Kaiya plans to pursue civil engineering at the University of Utah. After living in southern Brazil and returning to Bend, she learned the power of intentional community and persistence. She says, “I choose to reflect my parents’ flexibility and work ethic, my peers’ intelligence, and my soccer club’s dedication and drive. I am a collection of the best things around me and more.”  Atlin Wognild – Mountain View High School Atlin will attend Montana State University to study elementary education and liberal studies. A cross-country and Nordic ski team captain and camp counselor, Atlin says, “I want to be an educator who builds a classroom rooted in joy, creativity, and the outdoors.”  Ayden Colley – Caldera High School Ayden will attend the University of Oregon to study biology and pursue a career in medicine. He says, “Curiosity is what drives me – about people, science, and possibility. From DECA leadership to biotech courses, I’m preparing to serve others through a future in health care.” 

Jack Neff – Caldera High School Jack will study Outdoor Products at OSU-Cascades, with the goal of improving adaptive sports equipment. Living with cerebral palsy, he says, “Advocating for accessibility has been one of my proudest contributions. I want to keep opening doors – for myself and for others.” 

Dylan Morgan – Summit High School Dylan plans to study physics and math, with a long-term goal of researching nuclear fusion. He writes, “Math is a language we learn by observing, changing, experimenting, and failing… With my degree, I hope to be part of a research team that revolutionizes the production of energy.”  Garren White – Mountain View High School Garren plans to attend COCC’s Fire Science program. A multi-sport athlete and volunteer, he shares, “I’ve built my work ethic through setbacks, recovery, and showing up—even when it’s hard. I’m determined to serve my community and give back with everything I’ve got.”  Luke Bishop – Caldera High School Luke plans to attend Central Oregon Community College for two years before moving on to a four-year university.  He is planning to pursue a degree in education and writes, “My ultimate goal is to become an elementary school teacher, following in the footsteps of my parents. I want to create a classroom where students feel supported and inspired.” 

Ellie Colquhoun – Caldera High School Ellie plans to study physical therapy and run collegiately. A musician, youth group leader, and volunteer, she says, “I love helping people and seeing them become their best selves. I want to combine my passion for science and sport to make a difference.” 

Allison Holdredge – Summit High School Allison plans to pursue an engineering degree at Washington State University. A passionate musician and textile artist, she says, “I can’t imagine my life without school. There’s something amazing about being able to learn new things. I love school, and this scholarship will help make college possible.” 

Lauren Chaiet – Mountain View High School Lauren plans to major in Music Education and become a middle or high school band director. She writes, “I’ve worked hard to earn good grades, build relationships, and perform music and dance. I look forward to giving students the same safe and joyful space that music gave me.” 

Miles Macomber – Caldera High School Miles plans to attend Gonzaga University to pursue a business degree with a focus on outdoor entrepreneurship. “Whether it’s on the basketball court, at work, or out in nature – I strive to uplift others and create positive experiences. Business is a way I can turn that into a career.” 

Teague Myers – Caldera High School Teague will attend Willamette University to study international studies and music, with plans to pursue law. A dedicated athlete and musician, he says, “I represent the opportunities Bend-La Pine offers – whether in sports, music, or academics – and I’m ready to take the next step.” 

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond School District announced Wednesday that Doug Taylor has been selected as the next principal of Elton Gregory Middle School, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Taylor is currently the principal at Vern Patrick Elementary. 

Taylor, who grew up in Redmond, brings 16 years of experience in education to his new role. He began his career as a middle school language arts and social studies teacher and spent three years teaching at Elton Gregory before stepping into the Dean of Students role at the same school. He later served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Redmond High School before transitioning to Vern Patrick Elementary as principal. 

Throughout his career, Taylor has developed a wide-ranging skill set that includes teacher evaluation, curriculum oversight, RTI (Response to Intervention), student management systems, and support for extracurricular programs. 

“Doug brings a rare combination of experience across grade levels, a strong background in instruction and leadership, and a deep commitment to the Redmond community,” said Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline. “His deep commitment to athletics and activities will help create opportunities for all students. He’s a great fit for Elton Gregory, and I’m confident he will help lead the school with purpose and care.” 

“I am honored to be selected to serve as Elton Gregory’s next principal. I am deeply committed to the Redmond community and continuing to serve its students and families. Elton Gregory has an incredible team that I am looking forward to working with in order to provide a top-notch and well-rounded education for its students.” 

The Redmond School District greatly appreciates the leadership and commitment Taylor has brought to Vern Patrick Elementary and wishes him continued success in this next chapter. 

Meanwhile, the district also announced that Corrie Hopper has been appointed as the interim principal at Vern Patrick Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year. Hopper currently serves as the assistant principal at Obsidian Middle School. 

Hopper is no stranger to the Redmond School District, having first joined the district in 2006 as a long-term kindergarten substitute teacher at Vern Patrick Elementary. She went on to serve as a physical education teacher at John Tuck Elementary before spending 11 years at Tumalo Community School, where she taught PE and Health/Outdoor Education. 

Since 2020, Hopper has served as assistant principal at Obsidian Middle School, where she has overseen student behavior interventions, designed academic support systems, and provided counseling services and family referrals. 

“Corrie brings a strong instructional background and deep community roots to Vern Patrick,” said Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline. “Her experience supporting students, collaborating with staff, and building positive relationships with families makes her an excellent fit to lead Vern Patrick.” 

In addition to her professional experience, Hopper is also a Redmond parent with three children who currently attend or have attended schools in the district. 

“Education is truly a part of who I am, it runs in my family, and I feel as though I grew up in classrooms. I have a heart for service and a genuine love for working with children and their families. I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the 18 years I have worked in the Redmond School District and am eager to begin this new role, working together to create a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for every student,” Hopper said.  

The Redmond School District welcomes Corrie Hopper into her new leadership role at Vern Patrick Elementary and looks forward to a successful school year ahead. 

Corrie Hopper is replacing former principal of Vern Patrick, Doug Taylor, who has accepted the position of principal at Elton Gregory Middle School starting in the 2025-26 school year. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments by insurance agent, homeowner)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From staggering rate increases to notices of cancellation, a large number of homeowners in Central Oregon are being greatly affected when it comes to their home insurance. 

Residents of La Pine have taken a particularly hard hit. Many are being faced with reduced coverage, astronomical price increases, or not being able to obtain a policy at all. 

With some rates doubling or tripling, homeowners are concerned about how they’ll be able to make ends meet. We spoke with La Pine homeowner Heather Post, who shared her experiences. 

“We’re pricing literally everyone out of the American dream,” Post said. “Almost one-third of my husband’s income goes to just property tax and home insurance. I’m also paying $400 more a year because I didn’t give them a lump sum. If you wanted a lump sum, you probably shouldn’t have raised it three times, four times its rate,”

Especially for those on a fixed income, concerns about how they’ll be able to stay in their homes are looming larger each year. Reducing fire coverage is a risk many are too fearful to take, making some residents feel they may have to leave the area entirely to find financial relief. 

“We get into a house, we’re comfortable with our bills. And then hikes keep happening, and it prices people out. Then our one safe place, our one happy paradise, gets taken from us,” Post said.

While insurance companies are legally not allowed by state law to use the highly contested state wildfire risk map to determine rates or coverage, customers felt there was a correlation between its release and their increase in insurance issues. We spoke with one local insurance agent to find out more.

Chris Schalker of Country Financial told KTVZ News, “it’s kind of the wild West when it comes to insurance right now. Rates are going up everywhere across the country, especially in areas with more forest density, (but) the new state map has no effect on whether or not we will write a policy, or not renew somebody.”

We asked what recourse people have, if they are faced with a cancellation or startling increase. Finding a local insurance agent who can meet with you about your specific home and potential alterations you can make to your property or policy was at the top of the list.

“I would recommend reaching out to your insurance agent and finding out where there might be opportunities for them to lower their rates and get themselves in a better place…as long as there’s options available and people are educated, I think we can weather the storm,” Schalker said.

If you are struggling to find coverage, you could be eligible for a policy through the Oregon Fair Plan Association. You can also receive a free ‘defensible space’ assessment of your property by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Though a simple solution may not yet be in sight, we will keep you updated with any new, useful information.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — When you think back on your time in school, you may remember a particular lesson or project that stuck with you for all your life.

Those are the moments for which teachers should be rewarded, and that’s why KTVZ News and Mid Oregon Credit Union have teamed up for One Class at a Time. We’re giving teachers who make a difference $1,000 to fuel their future endeavors.

This month, we visited Sky View Middle School for a very special day. The Career Technical Education program at Sky View is all about hands-on experiences, and so they got a visit from members of the OSU-Cascade Engineering Department, who taught them how to build speakers from scratch.

It took an hour but with just some paper, a magnet, and a lot of wire and glue, each student made their own tiny speaker and then played music on it more or less.

The teacher behind this is Loren Renfro. She was right alongside her students for the entire project and was just as excited about their progress as they were.

It’s our hope that the $1,000 will make for another memorable experience for students. These funds are going toward a field trip for kids to learn about wildfire management.

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Barney Lerten

CLARNO, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Butte Creek Fire in Wheeler County showed no signs of growth Tuesday as crews reached 20% containment of the nearly 1,800-acre fire about nine miles north of Clarno.

Firefighters are working on constructing a line around the fire perimeter.  The fire remains estimated at approximately 1,776 acres and is currently 20% contained. Crews continued to engage in active fire suppression activities on Wednesday.

No evacuations or closures are currently in place. However, in the interest of public safety, boaters are asked to not disembark on the east bank of the John Day River south of Basalt Beach Camp and north of Lower Clarno Rapids, as this is within the fire perimeter. Boaters in the general area are asked to use caution as helicopters continue dipping water out of the John Day River.

Officials also said this will be the last daily update for the Butte Creek Fire, unless significant changes occur. Future updates will be posted on the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org and on X/Twitter @CentralORfire.

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