Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Thursday it will install a new, permanent boat dock at Crane Prairie Reservoir May 8-9.

The Crane Prairie boat launch will be temporarily closed during installation to provide for public safety.

The new, permanent boat dock will provide improved access and will not need to be seasonally installed and removed each fall and spring, officials said.

The Crane Prairie Boating Site parking lot will be minimally impacted by the project and will remain available for vehicle and trailer parking.

The closest alternative launch site during the temporary closure is Crane Prairie Resort, which is available for public use for a fee.

For more information about the boat dock installation, contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at (541) 383-5300.  

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s a big year for Central Oregon Community College—the school is celebrating its 75th anniversary! 

On Friday from 4-7 p.m., an anniversary party will take place.

COCC is the oldest two-year college in the entire state of Oregon.

COCC Applied Science Building

To celebrate, KTVZ News is taking a look back at the college’s history and how its partnerships with the community have contributed to its success.

“I think that a lot of people feel pressured to go to a prestigious four-year university. And I think it makes so much more sense to go to a community college to start out,” said Suzanne Painter, a former student.

“I was pretty young at the time and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. So it gave me the opportunity at a pretty decent price to explore a lot of different classes. I took all kinds of classes, from language classes, literature, science – anything I felt like I could explore, because the tuition wasn’t high and at the time, books weren’t that expensive.”

Painter attended COCC in 1967 and 1968.

Suzanne Painter with classmates in the 1960s, COCC

“I loved the people, the instructors, they were so student-oriented and were available to you. Their instruction was good,” Painter recalled. “As good as I got at a four-year college.”

Her advisor, Jim Crowell, was the first former student who came back as a member of the faculty.

Jim Crowell

“In 1955, the college was a night school. Even in those very early years, they had some professors who were equal, and in most cases better than many of the professors that I had for the rest of my academic career,” Crowell said. “It was so great coming back to the campus as an instructor and a member of the faculty and administration. That was pretty heavy stuff for a little guy from Bend, Oregon.”

He shared fond memories of his time as both a student-athlete in the 1950s and his return as a staff member in the ’60s.

“When we were students and then faculty, we were privileged in many, many ways,” Crowell said. “I will always be eternally grateful because I did not have any athletic ride offers coming out of high school. But we played the JV team for Portland State, Willamette, Southern Oregon, etc. And we did pretty well. And so I was able to get a ride to what was then Boise Junior College, which is now Boise State.”

Former COCC President Bob Barber (1990-2004) says the success of the school largely comes from its partnerships with the community.

Bob Barber

“(It) took a lot of cooperation between the various communities because it required politics. Their representatives, politicians, etc., to take advantage of that… It really took all of our communities,” Barber said.

“The college has always been very student-focused. A college has to remain student-focused. The primary people that we are serving directly day to day are the students. And so almost all the decisions that are made by the college, whether it’s a program or service or whatever, has to be done in the context of, ‘How does this benefit the students? How can we improve this so students more benefit from our programs?'”

Now, 75 years after COCC was established, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville campuses have opened. 

“The college has always taken a leadership role in the state, in terms of moving forward. We’re not the biggest community college by any stretch, but we cover a lot of territory,” Barber said. “Our graduates have always been very successful, because from the very beginning, under Dr. Boyle’s leadership, he required our faculty members to be well-credentialed at whatever level was appropriate that they were teaching at. And that was extremely important.”

Students in a COCC classroom, 1962

With thousands earning an education thanks to the school, while creating lasting relationships and memories.

“People in Central Oregon knew that Central Oregon was going to grow. They knew it was going to get better. And they wanted to plan for the future,” Barber said. “The college does strive for excellence in teaching. It’s just part of who they are, and the fact that it’s very strong and it’s really important. So it’s important for the reputation for our students to leave here and be prepared to attend other schools.”

1966, first library

Painter said, “I had Bob Powell, who taught science. And then later, when I was teaching in Redmond, he came and talked to my third-graders about astronomy. So that was very sweet.”

“I took a Computer Science class. It was like in 1968, maybe Introduction to Computers. And (David Habura) gave us these little punch cards and had this little exercise, and I thought, ‘I get it, but computers are not my thing.’ And then I wind up, of course, being a full-on computer nerd.”

Crowell said, “I set the school record in ‘55. And I think about 10 years later, a kid from Bend smashed it all to heck,” he added with a laugh. “I’ve been able to keep really good, close track of what’s going on and the people there. And I still shoot in the gymnasium three or four mornings a week.”

These three can all agree: Much has changed with the physical appearance of the school, but not its commitment to its students’ success.

To learn more about COCC or its 75th anniversary party, click here.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from Forest Service, advocates, homeless)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The gate on China Hat Road south of Bend swung shut early Thursday, closing a large area of homeless encampments on the Deschutes National Forest as dozens of people who had been living there, some for years, scrambled to leave and take as many belongings as possible to wherever they go next.

One of the people forced to leave, Chris Daggett, has been helping people move out. He told KTVZ News: “It’s to the point where some of these people are — you only have so much supplies. They’re scared. And they’re gonna lose their stuff. I can only bring so much stuff in my trucks.”

Advocates were out early to provide food and water

Eric Garrity, with the Bend Equity Project said, “Unfortunately, we’re going to put as much effort in, but we are going to lose contact with people. And so that means that, possible placement and housing is going to be delayed or those opportunities will be lost entirely.”

Homeowners near the encampment have long complained, citing filth, fire and fentanyl, among other concerns.

The Forest Service says the project will protect those homes. Kaitlyn Webb said, “Our goal is to reduce wildfire risk to those adjacent communities and promote and restore forest health. “

Three months ago, the Forest Service notified China Hat Road campers that the area would be shut down for over a year, starting now.

Two advocates, Chuck Hemingway and Garrity, along with disabled homeless people in the area, sued the federal government, filing a temporary restraining order to pause the May 1 closure. But days before the deadline, a federal judge denied that plea.

Garrity said, “At the end of the day, most of the people who are there, their only crime is not being able to afford the frankly absurd cost of housing in Bend. ”

The area will now be thinned as part of forest mitigation, and campers left behind could face a fine of $5,000 or jail.

“Our goal is voluntary compliance of the closure. Our law enforcement officers and our staff will be patrolling and enforcing the closure, and citations will be issued if needed,” the Forest Service spokeswoman said.

Critics of Forest Service move hold news conference: ‘The answer is housing – not handcuffs’

Meanwhile, advocates and others involved in the issues held a news conference to decry the Forest Service’s forced relocation of dozens of people. 

“The only answer to homelessness is housing – not handcuffs,” said Garrity.

“This helps no one,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director for the National Homeless Law Center. “The government needs to focus on housing and help.” 

He said it’s believed to be the largest forced relocation of homeless people from federal land in recent years.

Chuck Hemingway, another Bend homeless advocate part of the federal lawsuit, said the area has been home to up to 200 people at up to 90 encampments across 900 acres. 

“This was their home,” he said. “The people who lived there were a microcosm of society. Quite a number of working people, a large number of disabled and elderly. The numbers grew with the high cost of housing in Bend – sure, some bad actors gave it a bad name.” 

“We understand the need for fire mitigation,” he said, but are “disappointed there was an organized effort by the Forest Service that would have (allowed) an orderly relocation. Instead, what resulted in a mad mass exodus” until early Thursday morning. 

Among others speaking at a news conference by the closed gate was Mandy, a native Oregonian who settled in Bend in 1999, left in 2007 and returned in 2018 to end an abusive relationship. Her ex-partner kept trying to find her, and so without help from local law enforcement, “I felt there was no other option, so I went out in the woods.” 

“That’s a mild story, compared to other campers,” she said. “It’s sad that this is what it’s come to. People forget that we’re human. We’re not all out here because we’re drug dealers, or crooks. We made wrong choices – not bad choices.” 

Dr. Graham Pruss, executive director of the National Vehicle Residency Collective, said: “Their crime is poverty, solved the only way they can – to turn a minivan, RV, pickup, camper shell into the safest homes they could afford.” 

Since a Supreme Court ruling in a Grants Pass case, things have become even more challenging, as local governments pass new regulations and restrictions, Pruss said. 

“In effect, we’re telling people to leave federal land but don’t come into town, abandon your vehicle but don’t sleep on the sidewalk. It turns human beings into trespassers.” 

“We can do better,” Pruss said, calling for more safe parking and saying the forced move from the forest “simply shifts the burden from one jurisdiction to another.” 

The advocates said they were not aware of anyone cited so far, but estimated that 40 to 60 people were still inside the now-closed area. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here is the recording of the KTVZ News live stream of Thursday morning’s news conference held by several homeless advocacy groups at the closed gate to China Hat Road south of Bend.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from FFAH, veterans, Deschutes County Commissioners)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Foundation for Affordable Housing broke ground Thursday in La Pine on a 39-unit apartment building serving individuals and families who make 30-60% of the Area Median Income.

Jillian Fortner attended the groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon. Her report airs on KTVZ News at 6 p.m.

The Wickiup Station Apartments will be built on a one-acre site on Drafter Road in the Wickiup Junction area.

“It has a bit lower income overall, compared to the rest of the county,” foundation Chief Strategy Officer Tommy Waldron said. “The amount of housing choices are very limited in La Pine. So there’s a big need here.”

Once completed, the 39 units will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom options, with rents starting close to $600/month and all utilities included.

Foundation President Deborrah Willard said, “They’ll accommodate families as well. So we’re looking for a pretty good mix here. We’re looking for veterans. We’re looking for possibly some seniors and some families.”

Ten units will be reserved for veterans.

Veteran Rick Davis said, “Housing down here is very expensive. Unfortunately, not a lot of veterans have the money it takes to rent some of the housing down here.”

Deschutes County commissioners spoke at the groundbreaking Thursday to support the project.

“I wanted to particularly thank them for helping us reduce homelessness,” said Commissioner Phil Chang.

Construction on the project is beginning this spring, with an estimated completion date in the summer of 2026.

Davis said, “The more housing that we can find for veterans, the better off the whole entire veteran community is. La Pine needs this.”

Upon completion, the property will feature a range of amenities, including a large community room, game rooms, fitness area and a common deck. The grounds will also include a playground, raised bed gardens, covered bike storage and natural areas.

For information on leasing a unit, email contact@ffah.org.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)–  Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. Half a century ago, on April 30, 1975, United States military forces withdrew from Vietnam. The evacuation was broadcast live to televisions across the country.

For the veterans who were there, it’s a day that will live with them for the rest of their lives. KTVZ spoke with local veterans to hear their stories.

Lyle Hicks brought a special photo to a Deschutes County Commission meeting where a proclamation was read and memories were shared.

He later was holding the photo of a baby’s rescue as he told KTVZ News: “I was there 50 years ago. There’s a fellow that’s in the picture that dove in and saved the life of a of a baby and was told not to dive in by the officer that was there and he dove in anyway, came up, passed the baby over and dove back down. Because the boat was coming back in again, cut his arm on the boat, but he kept pulling the people out. In fact, I met a lady about 15 years ago, that she said the thing that hit her the most was that brave man that had a bloody arm who pulled her out of the water.”

Mark Wirges, another Vietnam veteran, told KTVZ News, “It was a very sad day for all of us veterans that had spent time part of our lives in Vietnam and some of our blood, and we left a lot of people there that the sacrifice and the treasures of this country were lost.”

One of the things the veterans shared with us Wednesday was the similarities they felt between the fall of Saigon and the military withdrawal from Afghanistan. For them, the day’s bittersweet – bitter because of the men who lost their lives, only for the war to end the way it did, and sweet because of those who survived and went on to live accomplished lives.

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Tracee Tuesday

(update: adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The debate surrounding PacifiCorp’s Blueprint South Transmission Line Project, continues.  

Crook County Community Development Director Will Van Vactor introduced in Wednesday’s work session a draft letter to the Crook County commissioners in support of Route D. 

Even though there has already been push back from residents southeast of Bend surrounding Routes A and B, Crook County sees a way forward with Route D.

Route D is their preferred routing alternative for PacifiCorp’s Blueprint South Transmission Project.   

According to the energy services provider and the county commissioners, this project is critical to relieve transmission system constraints and increase capacity for the growing population of Central Oregon, and the needs of the Crook County economy.   

Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford told KTVZ News Route D is the best plan moving forward. 

“We heard from a lot of different community members because there are multiple routes proposed, and from what we heard from our community members was that Route D was the least invasive in their views and their properties and then their neighborhoods. And so that’s where we wrote a letter in favor of that. Another thing we really like about it is it follows the existing line, and so there’ll be the least amount of impact to the community.” 

Central Oregon Community members in southeast Bend, have already voiced their opposition to routes A and B.   

“That’s going to affect the whole eastern skyline of, of bend area. You’re going to be able to see these things a long ways away,” said Robert Reiten. 

The draft letter supporting Route D has been pushed forward to next Wednesday’s board meeting for a vote.  

Commissioner Crawford said he’s confident that the draft letter will be approved.  

Once PacifiCorp determines what route they’ll go with, breaking ground on the project won’t begin for a few years.   

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon users of a popular website and smartphone app to track the latest fires, crashes and other emergencies were alerted twice in 24 hours to a reported structure fire at a large local store – but it turned out to be a pair of tech hiccups, nothing more.

The alerts were sent by PulsePoint Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon, indicating several Bend Fire units and Redmond Fire as well were called out to a structure fire at the new Bend Costco on the city’s north end. In the first case, the “incident” finally showed as being cleared about 12 hours later.

But in both cases, quiet police scanners and no reports of smoke columns or fire sightings in the area were a clue that something was amiss.

When KTVZ News inquired about what happened, Deschutes County 9-1-1 Operations Manager Chris Perry gave us the answer.

“9-1-1 staff are conducting training exercises ahead of fire season, using the test environment of our dispatch software,” Perry told us. “The test environment usually doesn’t have access to the outside world and allows us to simulate different training scenarios internally.”

“Unfortunately, there have been a few glitches with system settings during our training, which we’ve now resolved,” Perry said late Wednesday afternoon.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, More information about suspect, arrest)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Armed Bend Police officers and the region’s SWAT team surrounded a southeast Bend apartment in a standoff Wednesday afternoon, calling on a fugitive inside to come out with their hands up or force could be used. Two people eventually came out and were detained, one of whom was arrested.

Around 2:45 p.m., Bend Police learned that Brach Addison Roberts, a 32-year-old Bend resident, had an active statewide felony warrant and was reportedly in possession of an illegal firearm, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.  

Officers determined that Roberts was in an apartment at the Old Mill Apartments at SE Third Street and McKinley Avenue, Miller said. The Central Oregon Emergency Response Team was activated, and McKinley Avenue was blocked off between Third and Fourth streets as officers tried to contact Roberts, using a loudspeaker to hail him in an effort to get him out of the apartment.

Bend Police advised the public by social media around 4:40 p.m. of the large police presence and road closure, asking people to avoid the area. Two armored vehicles were on the scene before the standoff ended.

 Ultimately, officers negotiated Roberts out of the apartment, and he was taken into custody without injury or incident around 5:35 p.m. Roberts was taken to the Deschutes County Jail on his felony warrant. Jail records Wednesday night showed Roberts being held on $75,000 bail for a probation violation.  

A KTVZ News crew on scene watched as a man and woman in the apartment surrendered and were taken into custody with their hands up and without apparent incident. They were handcuffed and surrounded by officers with guns drawn and wearing body armor.

Miller told KTVZ News the woman was briefly detained, but only the man was arrested. Soon, the street reopened, while some police remained on scene to search the apartment. Miller told us later they did not find a gun on the suspect or in their search of the apartment.

A viewer earlier shared a video in which an officer could be heard using the loudspeaker, telling someone to come out with their hands in the air and with no weapons in their hands.

“If you don’t comply, force may be used against you,” the officer said, also advising a K-9 team could be deployed and munitions could be used – and that someone inside already was under arrest. “We know you’re in there.”

Last year, court records show Roberts pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and third-degree escape and got a 30-day jail term.

He pleaded guilty in 2023 to fentanyl delivery, was sentenced to 15 days in jail and 18 months probation, and a $75,000 bench warrant was issued last fall for violating probation by failing to report to his probation officer as directed.

Robert also pleaded guilty in 2016 to fleeing or attempting to elude police and in 2009 to second-degree assault.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner announced Wednesday the 2025 Oregon Financial Empowerment Award recipients, recognizing outstanding efforts to boost financial literacy across the state. This annual recognition, now in its fourth year, coincides with Financial Literacy Month.

Treasurer Steiner emphasized the vital link between financial know-how and overall well-being, stating, “For the past four years, we have proudly recognized the individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening our communities through financial education. Because of the continued passion and expertise of our Financial Empowerment Award honorees, we can see firsthand how investing in financial knowledge pays dividends for all Oregonians.”

The 2025 awardees are:

Financial Empowerment Educator of the Year: Bekki Tucker, Caldera High School (Bend). Tucker is lauded for her work in developing personal finance curricula for the Bend-La Pine School District and for contributing to statewide guidelines for the new personal finance graduation requirement. She will receive $1,500, and Caldera High School will receive $500. Additionally, $500 in Oregon College Savings Plan scholarships will be awarded to students selected by the school.

Tucker highlighted the universal importance of financial education, noting,

“Financial education will change your trajectory in life. This is important for all kids and not just for kids who may be struggling. Everyone needs to understand how financial decisions impact them now and for the rest of their lives.”

Financial Empowerment Community Champion: UPLIFT Leadership (Portland). This nonprofit empowers teens with career exploration, employment skills, and budgeting knowledge, helping them assess job market realities and manage future finances. UPLIFT Leadership will receive $2,000 and has designated the Oregon TRIO Association to receive an additional $500 as part of the award’s “Pay It Forward” initiative. Kyle Kavas, founder and president, stated,

“Financial literacy is critical for career readiness and college access. We must support Oregon youth so they can successfully enter the workforce, support economic development, and achieve financial prosperity.”

Nominations came from across the state and the winners were selected by a subcommittee of the Financial Empowerment Advisory Team, a public-private partnership that helps to amplify financial literacy and financial inclusion efforts statewide.

This recognition comes at a crucial time as Oregon prepares to implement a new personal finance course requirement for high school graduation, starting with the class of 2027 (or 2028 with a one-year delay). Treasurer Steiner, a former state legislator, championed this initiative.

Principal Chris Boyd of Caldera High School underscored the importance of financial literacy, sharing that a student survey revealed a strong desire for more real-world financial knowledge. “We want to protect them because when they don’t know how to navigate the personal finance world, we can anticipate that the finance world might take advantage of them.”

Recent data from Oregon State Treasury’s Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard indicates a concerning downward trend in financial confidence and literacy across the state, highlighting the critical role of the awardees’ work. Supportive findings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have recognized economic stability as a key social determinant of health, shining a light on the impact that financial security can have on general health and well-being.

Nominations for the 2026 Financial Empowerment Awards will open in November.

As Oregon’s chief financial officer, Treasurer Steiner oversees various programs within the Oregon State Treasury dedicated to safeguarding the state’s and its residents’ financial well-being, including the Oregon Unclaimed Property Program and state-administered savings programs: OregonSaves, the Oregon College Savings Plan, and the Oregon ABLE Savings Plan.

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