Month: May 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire season arrives and the danger rises, the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association announced Wednesday that it will close open debris burning starting Sunday evening for residential and private lands across the tri-county region in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

Burning debris piles on many private lands will not be allowed after sunset on Sunday, June 1, as the area heads into the summer wildland fire season. 

“It’s that time of the year when the region’s fire chiefs collectively agree to close burning for the season,” said COFCA Chair Todd Riley, Fire Chief for Bend Fire & Rescue.

Residents can still reduce their wildfire risk by creating defensible space on their property. Until the burn season opens again in the fall, options include chipping debris, taking it to a landfill or transfer site, or pile and cover it until fall.

All Central Oregon fire departments and rural fire districts will continue to monitor weather and fuel moisture conditions in their districts and may make modifications on a day-to-day basis. Please call your local burn information line for current conditions, additional information and regulations. Fire agencies anticipate the opening of burn season again in late fall.  

Local burn information: 

Alfalfa Fire District – 541-382-2333 

Bend/Deschutes Rural District #2 – 541-322-6335 

Black Butte Ranch – 541-595-2288 

Cloverdale – 541-389-2345 

Crook County Fire & Rescue – 541-447-BURN (2876) 

Crooked River Ranch RFPD – 541-923-4633 

Jefferson County Fire & EMS – 541-475-1789 

La Pine Fire Department – 541-536-9056 

Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue  – 541-410-5077 

Redmond Fire & Rescue – 541-504-5035 

Sisters-Camp Sherman – 541-549-2333 

Warm Springs Fire & Safety – 541-553-1146 

Partner Organizations: 

541-383-5300 - Deschutes National Forest 

541-416-6500 - Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River Grasslands 

541-416-6700 - Bureau of Land Management 

541-447-5658 - Oregon Department of Forestry Prineville Unit 

541-549-2731 – Oregon Department of Forestry Sisters Sub-Unit 

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Barney Lerten

(update: adding video)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  A tiny opossum found wandering earlier this month has made his way to a new home at the Oregon Zoo.

The 9.5-ounce joey, estimated to be about three months old, was found behind an apartment building in Lebanon, Ore., and cared for by the Chintimini Wildlife Center, who worked with state wildlife officials to bring him to the zoo.

“This little opossum had a rough start in life — he wouldn’t have survived long on his own,” said Eliza Lee, who oversees the zoo’s ambassador animal area. “He’s settling in nicely and already showing us his curious personality.” 

Named Nigel by care staff, the pint-sized marsupial is living behind the scenes in the zoo’s ambassador animal area. While he’s getting used to his surroundings for now, Lee hopes he’ll venture out soon to meet visitors as a representative of his species — one that’s often misunderstood.

“People are sometimes scared of opossums, but they’re lovable in their own way,” Lee said. “We hope Nigel will help people connect to this unique species and learn more about what makes opossums so awesome.” 

Opossums — the only marsupials found in North America — are considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Virginia opossum was first introduced in Oregon between 1910 and 1921. Populations were established in northwestern Oregon, apparently from releases of animals brought to the state as pets or novelties.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools announced Wednesday it has chosen new principals for High Desert Middle School and Cascade Middle School for the 2025-26 school year.   

Heather Bailey joins Bend-La Pine Schools as the new principal of High Desert Middle School, bringing over two decades of experience in K–8 education to the new role. Heather has a strong track record of leading school improvement through student-centered, systems-based, relationship-driven leadership.    

“In Heather, we found a leader who brings both the systems thinking and the heart that High Desert needs right now,” Dr. Steven Cook, Superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, said. “Her experience in middle school leadership, focus on creating opportunities for student success, and proven ability to build structures that support staff and students align directly with what the community told us they were looking for in a new leader – a steady, thoughtful leader ready to build upon the strengths the talented HDMS staff has built to continue to move the school forward.”   

Most recently the Principal of Kraxberger Middle School in the Gladstone School District, Bailey led the school out of state-mandated improvement status by implementing data-informed support structures and expanding opportunities for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Her career reflects a deep commitment to instructional excellence, inclusive practices, and building collaborative school communities.   

Bailey has over 12 years of experience as a school leader and 14 years as a classroom teacher, where she taught kindergarten, 4th and 5th grades with a focus on early literacy and differentiated instruction.   

She will begin her role July 1, and is taking over for current Principal Jessica Reilly, who will be moving to another administrative role with the Bend-La Pine Schools.   

Kelly Schmidt has been hired to serve as the next Principal at Cascade Middle School, bringing a record of successful school leadership to Bend-La Pine Schools. Kelly has a depth of experience leading a variety of populations across grades 6-12.    

“In Kelly, Cascade is getting a principal with extensive secondary school leadership experience,” Dr. Cook said. “She has a strong reputation as a leader who is student-centered and works to build systems to ensure all students can achieve their fullest potential.”   

Most recently the Principal at Wilsonville High School in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Schmidt previously worked as a middle school Principal in West-Linn Wilsonville and Oregon City school districts and as a middle school Assistant Principal in Oregon City and Canby.   

She has over 15 years of experience as a school leader and 10 years as a classroom teacher.   

Schmidt will begin her role July 1, and is taking over for current Principal Gabe Pagano, who will be moving to the role of Director of District Activities & Athletics with Bend-La Pine Schools. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM. Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority announced Wednesday it has hired former St. Charles Health System President and CEO James Diegel as the interim superintendent for Oregon State Hospital. His first day will be June 4.

Diegel will take over from Acting Superintendent Dave Baden, OHA deputy director of policy and programs, who has served in the interim role since April 14.

“Jim brings years of expertise, skill and compassion as a hospital administrator in Oregon, Hawaii and Washington, D.C., and has valued experience working with regulatory agencies like The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission,” said OHA Interim Director Kris Kautz.

“I am confident he will lead the hospital through the ongoing CMS survey process with successful results, as well as continue to build off the work plan Dave has started and continue to help the OSH team ensure that all patients receive the care they deserve in a safe environment,” Kautz added

Diegel was president and CEO of St. Charles for eight years before stepping down in 2014. The Lund Report noted that Diegel helped facilitate the merger of the Bend and Redmond hospitals in 2001, and oversaw the health system’s strategy and growth to include facilities in Bend, Redmond, Prineville and Madras.

And Oregon Live/The Oregonian pointed out Diegel is the third interim superintendent of the state’s struggling psychiatric hospital in just over a year.

OHA said the recruitment process for a permanent superintendent is ongoing. It said Diegel’s role as interim director will enable the hospital and its staff to continue executing steps laid out by Acting Superintendent Dave Baden. Baden will continue his role as OHA deputy director.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Boulder, Colorado-based Vero Broadband, LLC, operating as Vero Fiber, a leading provider of fiber-to-the-premises internet services, announced Wednesday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BendTel, Inc.., a locally owned and operated telecom provider that has served Central Oregon for more than two decades.

“This strategic acquisition complements Vero’s ongoing organic expansion in Central Oregon and establishes a key foothold in one of the fastest-growing markets in the Pacific Northwest,” the joint news release stated. The purchase price was not disclosed in the release, which continues in full below:

BendTel brings a long-standing reputation for reliable enterprise connectivity and voice services, built on deep roots in the Bend business community. The company owns and operates a robust fiber network, serving a wide range of residential and commercial clients across the region.

With the addition of BendTel’s infrastructure and customer base, Vero is significantly expanding its regional capabilities while continuing to invest in building new fiber infrastructure throughout Deschutes County. 

“We’ve been actively building our footprint in Bend, and this acquisition accelerates that momentum,” said Sunita Krishna, CEO of Vero Broadband. “BendTel has a strong legacy in Bend and a deep understanding of the local business landscape. We’re excited to bring our resources and experience to scale that foundation while maintaining the local service customers have come to trust.” 

The acquisition represents Vero’s latest step in executing its strategy of blending strategic acquisitions with organic growth to meet the rising demand for fiber connectivity. 

“As Bend continues to grow, we want to continue to offer our high-standard services to a broader community,” said Tom Barrett, CEO of BendTel. “Joining Vero allows us to expand faster and bring even greater value to our customers. Their commitment to community-focused growth and network excellence makes them an ideal partner.” 

The acquisition is expected to be completed on September 1, 2025. 

— 

About Vero Broadband, LLC 

Vero Broadband, the fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) division of VFN Holdings, Inc., is committed to expanding high-speed broadband access in underserved communities through its fiber-based retail offerings for both residential and business customers. In addition to its broadband services, Vero’s portfolio includes a wholesale division specializing in the design, construction, and management of dark fiber infrastructure for hyperscale cloud providers, K–12 schools (E-Rate), government entities, enterprises, and wireless and wireline carriers. Vero also provides a comprehensive suite of internet services to multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and fiber construction services to both in-house brands and third-party customers. Operating nationwide, Vero’s diverse portfolio encompasses Vero Fiber, Vero Networks, Clearnetworx, Deeply Digital, Glass Roots Construction, FastTrack Communications, and Nexgen Connected Communities. For more information, visit www.verofiber.com. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend announced Wednesday that Katy Brooks, who has served as the Bend Chamber’s president and CEO for nine years, is coming aboard as the city’s new economic development officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katy to our team, bringing a wealth of deep experience in economic development in both public and private sectors to help drive our city’s vision for economic prosperity,” said City Manager Eric King said in Wednesday’s announcement.

“With a proven track record leading transformative initiatives such as establishing a workforce homeownership fund and forming the Central Oregon Business Alliance to unify regional economic forces, Katy will lead the charge in implementing innovative strategies that empower our community, strengthen our local economy, and ensure opportunities for Bend’s businesses and residents,”

Here’s what the city had to say about her new role:

The Economic Development Officer will spearhead the development and execution of forward-thinking strategies designed to empower our community, bolster the local economy, and expand opportunities for all. This is in alignment with a new goal for the 2025-2027 biennium set by the Bend City Council to develop and implement strategies that increase community prosperity through job growth, workforce development and livable wages.

Visit the City of Bend’s Economic Development Department webpage for more information.

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Tracee Tuesday

(update: ordinance 543 approved, new video)

SISTERS, Ore. [KTVZ] — The City of Sisters held their City Council meeting Wednesday night.  

On the agenda was a significant topic, that Sisters’ residents said, may well protect their homes and town.   

The vote was unanimous by: Mayor Jennifer Letz, Council President Sarah McDougall, Council Member Cheryl Pellerin, and Council Member Gary Ross, who was not in attendance but was seen on Zoom. 

The Sisters City Council has officially adopted Ordinance No. 543, Defensible Spaces, an amendment to the Sisters Development Code, aimed at enhancing wildfire safety in the growing community. 

Ordinance No. 543 include properties, structures, all buildings, and detached accessory structures, whether individually or cumulatively, lot coverage, of 200 square feet or greater. 

The defensible space area standards vary based on the species of grasses, shrubs, and trees and types of combustible materials with species on the prohibited Flammable Plant List, restricted further than those not listed.  

The defensible space area standards also vary, based on distance from the new buildings ranging from: 0-5 feet, 5-30 feet, and beyond 30 feet from the new building. No vegetation should be within those specified distances from the structure. 

However, this Ordinance only applies to new development, said Principal Planner, Matthew Martin.   

“So right now we have standard landscaping standards, setbacks from, other property lines and other buildings on properties, but this goes a step further, and really right now, we’re focusing in this effort to apply it to new construction.” 

Marting goes on to say: “Now, is there an effort and an opportunity to increase the defensible space and opportunities for resilience of existing built environments? Sure, but we’re limited in what we can do with the Development code, so we’re looking at other opportunities to address the existing built environment too.” 

City officials say the change is a proactive step to protect homes and infrastructure, particularly as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across the west. 

But what about updating a defensible space code with existing homes and structures. 

“Yeah, it will be code changes. I think it’s really difficult for a city, but also citizens to have different codes and different parts of the community. We’d like to have it as homogenous as possible,” said Sisters Mayor, Jennifer Letz. 

The City of Sister says there are existing Municipal Codes on the books to protect existing structures.  

Defensible Spaces has been a hot topic these past few years. But, as wildfires continue to evolve, it’s important that the public get out and educate themselves on how to protect their homes. 

Previous Information:

The Sisters City Council will convene Wednesday evening to discuss several agenda items, including adopting Ordinance 543, which will amend the city’s development code to implement defensible space standards. 

The council previously approved the defensible space text amendments two weeks ago and on Wednesday evening is holding a public hearing on the associated ordinances.

Among other changes, a Fire Prevention and Control Plan will be required for new subdivisions and site plan reviews. Some highly flammable plants and trees would be prohibited within 30 feet of new buildings, while allowing shrubs and trees that are more fire-resistant.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

Jillian Fortner has a report on KTVZ News at Six

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A mobile dermatology clinic is making dermatological care more accessible in Central Oregon.

Throughout May, Project Happy Face has provided free skin cancer screenings and treatment services at the Bend Farmers Market.

Farmers, ranchers and those who work outdoors are among the most at-risk populations for skin cancer, due to prolonged sun exposure.

“We vendors, we do five markets a week. So we’re out exposed daily,” Shelley Akers, co-owner of Bohemian Roastery, said Wednesday.

The nonprofit organization aims to eliminate cost, transportation, and access barriers, delivering life-saving care to the people who feed our community.

Project Happy Face founder Amy Snow said, “We know that they’re outside the year-round all day. We know that a lot of them are living in underserved communities. So it was really advantageous to meet at the market and be able to screen all of them in a central location.”

The clinic has screened more than 100 people this month and detected potential skin concerns.

“The key really is early detection and educating everybody on what to look for,” Snow said.

The co-owner of Crow’s Croft in Redmond is grateful she was able to get screenings for herself and her husband.

“Everything was clean for me, but for my husband, they actually found that they were concerned about,” vendor Zoey Oquist said. “So they cut it out. So we’ll get results hopefully in the next week or two,” said vendor Zoey Oquist.

Vendors say the screening was quick and simple.

“Having this readily available where we can stop for a second, take five minutes to do the screening and find out if we have something on our skin or not. And then, go right back to what we loved doing was really awesome.”

Project Happy Face also will be offering screenings this weekend at A Time of Hope event.

The cancer awareness walk and community gathering in Prineville aims to raise money for support services in Crook County.

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