Triton Notary
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) Redmond City Council is seeking resident input on the future of non-pedal assist e-bikes in local parks, including the scenic Dry Canyon. Through a new online poll, the council aims to gather community feedback on this evolving issue. Residents have until April 1, 2026, to share their views. Click here to weigh in.
Triton Notary
SEATTLE, Wa. (KTVZ) There is renewed attention around the long-discussed return of the NBA to Seattle but despite growing optimism, no official decision has been made.
Seattle has been without a professional men’s basketball team since the 2008 relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics, which ended the franchise’s 41-year run in the city before becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the years since, efforts to bring the league back to the Pacific Northwest have remained steady. Seattle is widely considered one of the most viable markets for expansion, thanks to its strong fan base, corporate support, and a modern, NBA-ready venue in Climate Pledge Arena.
League leadership has acknowledged expansion as a possibility, but has not committed to a timeline. Recent reporting indicates the NBA is focused first on finalizing major financial benchmarks, including a new, long-term media rights deal, before seriously advancing expansion plans.
If and when the league does move forward, Seattle is expected to be at the top of the list. Las Vegas is also frequently mentioned as another leading candidate, suggesting any expansion could include multiple new franchises.
Local investors and stakeholders have continued to express interest in securing a team, though details of those efforts remain largely private.
While speculation continues, officials emphasize that no formal announcement is imminent. For now, Seattle remains in a holding pattern—well-positioned, but waiting on the league to make its next move.
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes National Forest firefighters canceled a planned prescribed burn on Wednesday after a test fire was unsuccessful. The Flank Four project is located 15 miles southeast of Bend.
The cancellation occurred because environmental conditions were not favorable, likely due to local winds. While crews have successfully ignited hundreds of acres south of Bend throughout the week, officials determined they could not proceed with the Flank 4 ignitions on March 25.
The Flank four unit encompasses up to 1,270 acres on the west side of Forest Service Road 18. The project site is located just north of the junction of Forest Service Road 18 and Forest Service Road 25.
The burn area is situated near the Camp II Off-Highway Vehicle Staging Area. Firefighters had been working throughout the week to ignite hundreds of acres in other areas south of Bend prior to the unsuccessful test fire at the Flank four site.
Firefighters are planning ignitions on Flank four through Friday as conditions allow.
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Tumalo Falls viewing platform has reopened to the public following the completion of repair work. While the overlook is now accessible, visitors must currently reach the site by foot as driving access has not yet opened for the season.
Repairs were required because the wooden platform of the previous viewing deck was deteriorating and needed to be replaced. Deschutes National Forest staff also used the repair period to conduct a structural inspection of the overlook.
The repair project followed a brief timeline once the work began. Materials were transported to the site on Monday, March 16, and Deschutes National Forest employees completed the repairs on Thursday, March 19.
Deschutes National Forest staff performed all the labor for the deck replacement. The total cost for the project materials was approximately $1,900.
Tumalo Falls is a popular destination located a few minutes from the nearby trailhead. The site features various amenities for visitors, including picnic areas and access to a network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding comments from Paul Cowsill and board member of historical society)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A classic American pop-rock group is heading to Central Oregon, but their upcoming concert is about more than just music — it’s part of a community push to bring a long-awaited historical museum to life.
In Jefferson County, history is all around, but there’s currently no single place dedicated to preserving and sharing it. That’s something the Jefferson County Historical Society hopes to change.
“Jefferson County is the only county in the state that does not have a historical museum,” said Margee O’Brien, a board member with the society. “We bought the building. We just have to get it restored and move our antiquities in.”
The plan is to transform a historic 1908 church in Madras into a community museum. Organizers hope the space will celebrate local history while bringing residents together. They even intend to have rotating displays, so there’s always something new for visitors to enjoy.
“It’s not so much the money as it is the whole idea of getting people in the community behind it,” O’Brien said. “This is a great opportunity for anyone in the community to have a goal and to help us make this museum award-winning.”
While money isn’t the focus, it’s still a necessity. To help fund the project, a well-known name from the 1960s is stepping in.
The Cowsills — the family band behind several major pop-rock hits and an inspiration for “The Partridge Family” — will perform a benefit concert at the Madras Performing Arts Center on April 11th. All proceeds will go to toward making the museum a reality.
For band member Paul Cowsill, the cause is personal.
“The history that Madras has is insane,” he said. “This is quite a place to live. We want to have everything out of that room back there so people can see it, because they’ll be amazed at the history of this town and this area.”
Cowsill, who has lived near the community for about two decades, feels supporting local history is a way to give back.
Beyond fundraising, Cowsill hopes the concert offers a sense of connection and nostalgia.
“It’s just a time that people can forget about whatever is outside that door and come on in here and kind of get on a time machine, so to speak,” he said. “Bring your kids. They’re going to like it… you’ll love it!”
Organizers say the event is a chance to support a lasting community project while enjoying a night of classic music — a night of nostalgia, with a purpose.
You can purchase tickets in-person at the Madras Pioneer, online at the Madras Performing Arts Center site, or at the door if any tickets remain on opening night.
Triton Notary
SEATTLE, Wa. (KTVZ) NBA owners are set to meet this week, and expansion, including possible new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, is on the agenda.
That raises hopes in the Pacific Northwest that the Seattle SuperSonics could finally return, nearly two decades after the franchise left for Oklahoma City in 2008. The Sonics’ departure has long been a sore spot for fans, and momentum appears to be building for their comeback.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to talk about the idea, which Ferguson has strongly supported. “I’ll leave it to the NBA and the commissioners to share what they want to share, but it was important conversation, a valuable one and I just appreciate his chatting with me,” Ferguson said.
The final decision rests with NBA team owners. Any expansion move would require approval from 23 of the league’s 30 owners, and those conversations are taking place over the next few days. Owners are also expected to discuss the possible completion of the Portland Trail Blazers’ sale, which could be finalized by the end of the month.
Tracee Tuesday
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Municipal Airport is not currently slated to receive federal immigration agents or face closure despite the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Jayde Hawkins, the airport security manager, clarified the facility’s status following reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are being deployed to several major U.S. airports to assist with staffing.
The deployment of ICE agents comes as Transportation Security Administration officers at Redmond and across the country are working without pay due to the budget impasse. While U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on March 19 that small airports could be forced to shut down if the shutdown continues, Redmond officials maintain that the terminal remains fully operational without any expected changes to its schedule.
White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE agents are being utilized in support roles rather than for passenger screening. These tasks include guarding exits and handling other non-screening duties to assist airports experiencing staffing shortages. According to federal officials, these agents are intended to mitigate operational impacts caused by officer callouts or resignations at larger hubs.
ICE agents have already been reported at airports in Atlanta and New York Other locations that could see federal agents include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is currently the only West Coast location identified as a potential site for ICE support.
Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agency would not confirm specific locations of the federal agents. Bis cited operational security reasons for the department’s refusal to verify where ICE officers are currently deployed.
Hawkins, who also serves as the primary airport security coordinator, said Redmond does not currently require federal support because the facility is not experiencing the same staffing crises seen at larger travel hubs. “We are not going to see that here in Redmond. Or at least we’re not aware of anything that would be headed our way any time soon,” Hawkins said. “The impact or the support that they would do is just for those staffing issues that they are seeing in some of the larger airports where they are seeing, officers quitting or officer callouts that are, impacting them operationally in order to be able to operate their checkpoints.”
Regarding the potential for closure, Hawkins addressed the airport’s categorization as a small facility and suggested that Redmond’s inclusion in federal warnings may have been an error. “Redmond is not closing anytime soon. Our doors are open. We operate. Our building is. Our terminal is open 24 over seven 365,” Hawkins said. “I believe our name came up just because of the category of airport that we fall into. And so I think there may have been some miscommunication that impacted us in that sense.”
Some TSA officers at Redmond Airport have been employed at the facility for 20 years. In response to the shutdown, the local community has organized to provide essentials for these unpaid workers. Donated items include gift cards, non-perishable food and various household supplies.
Community members who wish to donate items to TSA officers can drop them off at the Redmond Airport administrative office. Hawkins stated the terminal will continue to operate on its normal 24-hour schedule.
Silas Moreau
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The business membership program Purpose in Expenses distributed nearly $69,000 to Central Oregon nonprofits during a community celebration on March 13 in Bend. The event, known as PIE Fest 2026, brought together business owners and nonprofit leaders for live check presentations.
The gathering marked the sixth year of the program’s partnership model, which connects local businesses with community organizations to turn operating expenses into charitable donations. Through this system, the program has generated more than $250,000 in global donations over the last two years.
Pahlisch Homes provided the largest single contribution of the evening, donating $21,925 to the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs. The funds are designated to support career and technical education for students in the local school district.
Subaru of Bend contributed a total of $12,000, which was distributed equally among three organizations. Oregon Adaptive Sports, FAN Prineville and the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs each received $4,000 from the dealership.
Beaver Coach Sales presented a check for $10,476 to Oregon FFA. The donation is intended to support the development of agricultural leaders through the state’s branch of the National FFA Organization.
The Boys and Girls Club of Bend received $7,000 through the “I Like PIE” community fundraising run, which included contributions from various program members. Additionally, the Tower Theatre Foundation received $5,000 through the PIE direct giving program.
Other local businesses participated in the live check presentations to their designated nonprofit partners. Team Hyundai of Bend presented a check to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, while Sebastian’s Seafood provided funding for the High Desert Museum. Happy Danes Auto Repair made two separate contributions to Ronald McDonald House Oregon.
Further donations were presented by Shift Naturals and ThAiPas to the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Tim Kia of Bend supported the Neighbor Impact Head Start Program, Kirby Nagelhout presented to the Deschutes Children’s Foundation, RUMPL donated to Central Oregon Landwatch and Second Wind Sports provided funding for Protect Our Winters. The Latino Community Association received a check from PIE in partnership with BBSI. Family Access Network, also known as FAN, received donations from Ruffwear and Embark.
The invitation-only event featured a curated dinner with home-cooked tapas prepared by PIE co-founder Cristina Morales and Thai cuisine from ThAiPas. Entertainment for the evening included live piano music performed by Paula Dreyer.
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An adult bald eagle is recovering at a Bend wildlife hospital after being found grounded and unable to fly in Prineville. The bird, identified as Bald Eagle 26-54, spent more than 24 hours in a field before being rescued and transported to Think Wild for urgent care.
Upon intake, the veterinary team diagnosed the eagle with multiple traumatic injuries. These included a scapular luxation, or shoulder injury, pulmonary contusions, and a maxillary beak fracture with blood present in the mouth. The bird also showed signs of wobbling and ataxia at the time of its rescue.
The eagle has shown signs of improvement while receiving pain management, fluids, and assisted feeding. The bird was recently moved to a larger raptor enclosure. Staff report the eagle is beginning to perch well, reach higher spaces, and hold its wings with more symmetry. Currently, the bird still requires supportive feeding and ongoing evaluation of its strength.
While the eagle recovers from physical trauma, the facility also monitors for lead poisoning, a common issue for local raptors. Sally Compton serves as the executive director for Think Wild. Compton explained that most poisonings occur when birds eat the carcasses of animals killed by lead ammunition. When lead ammunition enters an animal, it can splinter up to 12 inches, infecting the carcass with lead.
Compton described how the toxin affects the birds as it enters the bloodstream. “As it permeates through their system, gets to their brain, gets to their internal organs, that’s when they start to really feel those symptoms,” Compton said. While the results for this specific bald eagle were positive, Compton noted that for most animals, the poisoning is fatal.
Think Wild has treated 85 animals for lead poisoning over the years. Of those cases, three have been bald eagles. Almost all of the animals brought in with the illness have died. The facility is supported by donations for food, medical supplies, and staff time, which can be sent to their Erickson Road location in Bend.
If the bird’s progress continues, the next step in its rehabilitation will be the introduction of gentle flight therapy. The team will continue to monitor the eagle’s ability to regain strength for an eventual return to flight.
The Problem Solvers have spoken to hunters and outdoorsmen about the benefits and downsides of using lead while hunting. Find that story here.
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Downtown Bend Library will close for a comprehensive remodel on April 10, 2026, marking the first major renovation in the building’s nearly 30-year history. The closure coincides with the opening of the new Central Library, which began offering drive-thru services on March 23, 2026.
The downtown facility is expected to remain closed until spring 2027 to allow for expanded public spaces and updated amenities. During this period, the new Central Library at 61956 SE Santorini Street will serve the community through a phased opening, with full public access scheduled to begin in May 2026.
Construction renderings.
Rendering of upgrades.
The Central Library drive-thru, located at 61956 SE Santorini Street in Bend, provides holds pick-up from noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Patrons can return books, DVDs and magazines 24 hours a day at the drive-thru book drop. To use the pick-up service, visitors must select “Central DRIVE-THRU” as their location in the library’s online catalog. When a hold is ready, drivers enter the lane near the east entrance and ring a bell at the window for assistance from staff.
The automated return system requires users to hold their items near a sensor on the chute to unlock it before placing materials in the return slot. This drive-thru facility is limited to standard library materials. Larger items, including curriculum crates, book club kits and materials from the “Library of Things,” cannot be accepted at the drive-thru. These items must be returned inside the Central Library building once it opens to the public in May.
Drive-thru return.
The Downtown Bend Library remodel is the first comprehensive update for the facility since it opened nearly 30 years ago. Once the construction is finished, the building will feature more public space and updated amenities. Library officials have set up a dedicated section on their website to answer frequently asked questions regarding the temporary closure and the specific changes planned for the downtown location.
Renderings of the upgardes library.
The Central Library is scheduled to fully open to the public on May 11, 2026. The Downtown Bend Library remodel is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
