Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to fly at half-staff Tuesday and Wednesday in honor of Warm Springs Chief Delvis Heath Sr., who passed away Sunday. The order applies to flags at all public institutions from sunrise to sunset.

Tribal and State Leaders Pay Tribute

Heath was one of three hereditary chiefs of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which represents the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute tribes. He served as the hereditary chief of the Warm Springs Tribe since May 4, 1984. The governor’s action follows a Monday order from the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to lower flags on tribal properties.

Gov. Kotek issued a condolence letter to the tribes and the Heath family following the announcement.”On behalf of the State of Oregon, the First Lady and I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Chief Heath,” Kotek wrote. “His loss will be felt deeply by the Warm Springs community and is felt far beyond Warm Springs, including by all Oregonians who benefited from his leadership, his counsel and his lifelong commitment to his people.”

Early Life and Path to Leadership

Heath was born on a family ranch near Simnasho on Sept. 26, 1938. As a young man, he was known by the name “Bullneck” and spent time riding his grandfather’s horses in races throughout Central Oregon.

His path to leadership began after the death of his father, Chief Nathan Heath, in 1969. While Heath initially declined the chieftainship because he felt he was not ready, the Sahaptin people eventually selected him to take his place on the Tribal Council on May 4, 1984.

Family Life and Community Roots

In 1960, Heath married Shirley Stahi of Celilo Village. The couple raised four children, a niece, a nephew and numerous other children within the community.

For many years, the family operated the Chief Heath horse stables at the Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino. While the family decided to close the stable business last year, they continued to run cattle on the Reservation range.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Heath was considered the foremost goodwill ambassador for the Confederated Tribes and served as a critical liaison for treaty issues with federal and state governments. He was deeply involved in fishing settlements and frequently opened tribal meetings in prayer using the language of his ancestors.

Beyond his official duties, Heath remained active in the community by participating in annual cattle roundups and the Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Endurance Horse Race.

Cultural and Spiritual Influence

As a leader of the Sahaptin-speaking people, Heath followed the teachings of the Washat religion and participated in spiritual drumming and singing at the Longhouse. He frequently spoke about the importance of honesty, hard work and education.

NeighborImpact, a Central Oregon community organization, also recognized his impact on the region.”His leadership and dedication to his people shaped lives across Warm Springs and beyond,” the organization noted in a statement.

Funeral Services and Honors

Funeral services and a sunrise burial are scheduled to take place in The Dalles and Simnasho on Tuesday and Wednesday. The lowering of the flags will coincide with these services, remaining at half-staff until sunset Wednesday.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Foundation has invested $1.5 million to upgrade cardiac care facilities at St. Charles Bend, including the opening of new electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization labs. The investment allows physicians to perform advanced procedures and has resulted in a 27% increase in electrophysiology treatments over the past year.

The upgrades focus on improving care for patients with irregular heart rhythms by providing state-of-the-art technology close to home. Since the opening of the new labs, more than 285 patients have received Pulse Field Ablation, a procedure that previously required residents to travel outside of Central Oregon.

Lesley Jones Larson, cardiac service line administrator at St. Charles, said the updates expand the hospital’s capacity for specialized care. “Thanks to these updates, we can treat more patients and offer more state-of-the art services, allowing more cardiac patients to keep their care close to home,” Larson said.

One of the primary advancements in the new labs is the introduction of Pulse Field Ablation, or PFA. This minimally invasive treatment is designed for patients experiencing atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. Dr. Chris Lewis, a cardiac electrophysiologist at St. Charles, explained that the procedure uses non-thermal electric pulses to selectively destroy heart tissue.

Lewis noted that PFA offers safety benefits compared to older thermal ablation methods. “This is a significant advantage over older thermal ablation energies, as there is improved recovery and significantly lower risk to injuring structures surrounding the heart,” Lewis said. “Ultimately, this allows us to perform safer procedures and offer atrial fibrillation ablation treatments to a larger group of patients.”

The project represents one of the largest funding efforts by the St. Charles Foundation in 2025. Jenny O’Bryan, executive director of the St. Charles Foundation, said the investment was a priority for the organization’s supporters. “This effort means a great deal to our donors, as it allows St. Charles to be an early adopter of technology that is helping transform cardiac care for Central Oregonians,” O’Bryan said.

St. Charles Health System is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Bend. It is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 5,000 caregivers and a medical staff of more than 400 active members. The system operates hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond, along with clinics in La Pine and Sisters.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 49th annual Sunriver Music Festival is scheduled to take place Aug. 10-20, 2026, in Bend and Sunriver. Artistic Director and Conductor Brett Mitchell curated the upcoming summer season to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The 2026 programming features works by American composers alongside classical favorites. The repertoire includes music by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, William Grant Still, Joan Tower, Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer and John Williams, as well as compositions by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schumann and Mendelssohn.

The summer festival is scheduled to open Aug. 10 at the historic Great Hall at Sunriver Resort. The Ten-day event will conclude Aug. 20 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. The program includes four classical concerts, a pops concert and a family concert.

Several featured artists will perform during the season, including pianist Michelle Cann and violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark. Other scheduled performers include bass-baritone Timothy Jones and the Central Oregon Mastersingers.

Before the summer festival, Artistic Director and Conductor Mitchell will perform a solo piano recital on April 11 in Sunriver. Mitchell, a Steinway Artist, maintains a YouTube channel where he shares original solo piano videos of film history cues and classical works. The recital will feature his original arrangements of iconic movie music.

Tickets for the April 11 recital are priced at $50 for adults and $25 for those 25 and under. A special VIP experience is available for $90, which includes the concert and an intimate post-performance reception with Mitchell. The reception will offer wine and light fare and only 40 VIP tickets are available for the event.

A broadcast of the 2025 Opening Night Classical Concert, titled “A French Soirée,” will air on KWAX on April 2.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is providing free tax filing assistance to young people and low-income residents through its Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. The initiative funds IRS-certified community organizations, Tribal governments and educators to help workers secure potential refunds.

The program specifically addresses the needs of young people in their first jobs or those working part-time who may be owed refunds for withheld taxes. Even if a young person is claimed as a dependent on a parent or guardian’s return, they must still file their own tax return to report their income. This filing does not interfere with exemptions claimed by parents or guardians.

Teachers at McKay High School in Salem trained approximately 12 students this school year to assist their peers with tax preparation. The student-led clinics used IRS-approved software to help participants prepare their own returns. The program utilized incentives, such as coffee gift cards, to encourage student participation. Marcia Latta, a teacher at McKay High School who facilitates the clinics, said one student received a $269 refund while a recent college graduates received nearly $1,200. “Most get money back. They’re so pleased,” Latta said. “I love that we provide this extra opportunity to our students to develop these skills and it’s great to see them get this money back.”

Oregon State University has also expanded its tax assistance reach through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Shelly Krehbiel, the program manager for extension and partner operations for OSU’s VITA program, said the student-led team trained about 90 university students this year. These students manage site operations, marketing and training for outreach teams in Corvallis, Bend and Eugene. Krehbiel said the program also partners with the South Eugene High School Finance Club to train 10 students as facilitators. “From the people they’ve helped there is such surprise. They say, “Oh, that was so easy.” When people walk into our locations, they look scared and anxious. They walk out smiling and relieved. It’s great to see,” Krehbiel said.

The current initiatives follow a 2023 ODHS pilot project that operated in nine high schools across Oregon. Students who participated in that pilot received state and federal tax refunds ranging from $95 to $1,246. The grant program continues to fund projects through both community organizations and educators to reach young people who may be earning income for the first time.

Free tax assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Individuals can access help online through GetYourRefund/OR, where they can choose to have a return prepared for them or file it themselves using free software. In-person assistance is available at sponsored sites in cities including Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Bend, Redmond, Corvallis, Eugene, Coos Bay, Roseburg, Medford, Monmouth, Independence, Ontario and Woodburn.

In-person tax return preparation will be available at ODHS-sponsored sites through Oct. 15. More information about the program can be found on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College will host its annual High School Math Contest on Thursday, April 16, at the Bend campus. This year’s event, themed “Math to the Future,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The competition was first held in 1978 and attracts more than 150 students from 13 schools across the region. Participants will travel from communities including Paisley, Mitchell and Sisters to compete in various challenges across the campus.

The theme pays homage to the 1985 film “Back to the Future” and its time-travel calculations. Math professors will dress in costume as characters like “Doc” Brown and Marty McFly and an original gull-wing DeLorean will be parked on campus for team photo opportunities.

The long-running competition includes various activities such as a relay race, a scavenger hunt and a game styled after “Name That Tune.” Students will compete for awards and prizes throughout the afternoon.

Jacquie Coe, department chair and associate math professor, said the event is designed to be engaging for students. “It’s a day of nonstop fun and games, with a celebration of math at the core,” Coe said. “Our department loves to share how wonderful math can be, helping inspire high schoolers for future math exploration.”

The event is sponsored by Lonza Pharma and Biotech. While the competition is open to students across the region, all participants must be preregistered to attend. Interested parties can contact Cinda DeVoe at 541-383-7289 or cdevoe4@cocc.edu for more information.

Central Oregon Community College provides resources for attendees with disabilities. Those requiring transportation or accommodations for physical or mobility disabilities can reach campus services at 541-383-7775. Individuals needing assistance for hearing impairments or other disabilities may contact student accessibility services at 541-383-7583 or sas@cocc.edu.

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Matthew Draxton

(UPDATE: Adding video and quotes from business owners)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend is bursting with creativity tonight as local students showcase their work during the Youth Art Takeover, part of April’s monthly First Friday Art Walk tradition. The event featured student-led art displays, live music, and performances throughout the downtown area.

The takeover gives Central Oregon’s next generation of creators a platform to share their talents while continuing Bend’s long-standing community art celebration.

Local Businesses Join the Showcase

Participating shops are marked by colorful balloons outside their entrances, guiding visitors to the student exhibits and professional art displays within. Many local businesses are combining the youth artwork with their own First Friday features and special activations.

Sarah Swartz, owner of Wildflowers of Oregon, said the event’s focus on student creativity resonates deeply with her.

“It’s fantastic. As artists here in our own shop, we both came up being artists and finding our way through, elementary, middle, and high school,” Swartz said. “It’s really great to support the early stages of artistry.”

Suzy Reininger of Leapin’ Lizards Toy Company shared that visitors have been eager to engage with the student creations.

“I’ve gone out and had conversations with people that are looking at it saying “how do I buy it’,” Reininger said. “I would love to give the feedback to the artists that they are really impressed with the work they’ve done.”

Music, Sunshine, and Celebration

The warmer weather is drawing big crowds to enjoy live performances, including sets from student bands, a rock group, and an 11-piece orchestra.

An awards ceremony recognizing standout student artists wrapping up an evening dedicated to celebrating young talent across Bend.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee are inviting communities across the state to nominate and celebrate heritage trees for 2026.

The call for nominations coincides with the start of Arbor Month in April, which the committee uses to promote the educational and historical value of Oregon’s most significant trees. Individuals and heritage groups are encouraged to submit trees with documented historic significance to the state.

Established in 1996, Ore. became the first state in the nation to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. Since its inception 30 years ago, the committee has designated 85 trees across 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties, with 79 of those trees still living today at various historic sites, public gardens and hiking trails.

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg said these designations offer a tangible link to the past. He encourages residents to visit state or local heritage trees to experience history firsthand. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens,” Hedberg said. “All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past. Enjoying these trees today connects us with our history.”

Several notable trees are already designated in the state, including the Big Tree at La Pine State Park. This tree is recognized as the largest circumference Ponderosa pine in the world. Other sites include the Williamson-Abbot Expedition Ponderosa, which marks a campsite for a government survey to bring the railroad west and the Huntington Wagon Road Junipers, which were blazed in 1864 along an ancient Native American trail.

The committee is specifically looking for nominations that reflect a more diverse range of Oregon’s history. Al Tocchini serves as the vice-chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee and noted that the group wants to highlight stories that have historically been overlooked. “In particular, we are seeking underrepresented stories of Oregon’s diverse populations in places that are accessible to the general public,” Tocchini said.

The Oregon Travel Information Council, a semi-independent state agency created in the 1970s, administers the program. While originally formed to manage highway logo signs following the Highway Beautification Act, the agency now also oversees the Oregon Historical Marker program and 39 rest areas at 25 locations throughout the state. These rest areas are open 24 hours a day and are free for public use.

Individuals, cities, tourism organizations and heritage groups can nominate trees with documented historical significance through the program’s website. The committee also provides an interactive map for the public to locate currently designated trees across various counties.

The nomination form is available at oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees. The committee will review these submissions as they prepare for the 2026 spotlight.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Community Development will host a public open house on April 7 to gather input for the update of the Terrebonne Community Plan. The event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Terrebonne Community School cafeteria, located at 1199 B Avenue in Terrebonne.

The open house serves as a primary opportunity for residents to help shape the document that guides growth and development in Terrebonne for the next 20 years. During the meeting, community members can share their priorities and discuss the future trajectory of the area with county officials.

The gathering is designed as a drop-in, family-friendly event. To accommodate residents attending with children, the county will provide snacks and a specific children’s activity during the two-hour window.

Participants can use the session to learn about current trends and existing conditions in Terrebonne. The information provided at the school is intended to help residents identify specific challenges and opportunities they believe should be addressed in the final planning document.

For community members who are unable to attend the school cafeteria meeting in person, a digital participation option is available. The county will host a mirrored version of the open house on its website to ensure broader community access to the planning process.

The online open house will be available from April 7 through April 30. Residents can participate and view project materials at www.deschutes.org/TCP.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Van Perry has joined the Family Access Network Board of Directors, bringing more than 30 years of global leadership experience to the Central Oregon nonprofit. Perry has a background in scaling organizations across multiple industries, including technology, real estate and the public sector.

The Family Access Network, which began in 1993, employs 28 advocates at 66 sites across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. These advocates work within schools to connect families in need with essential resources to help break the cycle of poverty.

The Family Access Network Foundation was established in 2006 to raise funds and increase community awareness for the organization’s work. Board members serve as a core part of the foundation’s fundraising strategy to support advocates working in Central Oregon schools.

Perry’s professional background includes leading international rebranding initiatives for Fortune 50 companies and directing Olympic marketing programs for global sponsors. He previously served as the president of two adventure travel companies that managed expeditions to locations ranging from Antarctica to the Sahara.

Earlier in his career, Perry held leadership roles in city government and real estate development. He has worked across diverse industries including financial services, technology, hospitality and the outdoor sector.

Julie Lyche serves as the executive director of the Family Access Network. Lyche noted that Perry’s background in building high-performing teams and his commitment to service would benefit the organization’s leadership. “Van’s breadth of experience and strong commitment to community service make him a valuable addition to our Board of Directors,” Lyche said.

Perry lives in Bend with his wife and two daughters. He earned a Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Virginia, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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