Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Central Oregon LandWatch, statement from Knife River)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents living near the Knife River gravel mine outside Prineville have raised concerns for years about possible contamination in their well water. Some have reported health issues — for both humans and livestock — and even black sludge in their household supply.

State regulators, including the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, say the exact source of any contamination remains unknown.

Now, a new step forward: the Crook County Planning Commission voted April 22nd to refer the issue to a third-party hearings officer. That officer will determine whether further action on Knife River’s mining permit is needed.

“Community members have been urging the county to take some sort of formal action for years now,” said Robin Hayakawa, a staff attorney with Central Oregon LandWatch. “Even getting to this stage is a step in a positive direction.”

The advocacy group says it stepped in over what it describes as a lack of urgency and transparency surrounding the issue.

“When you can’t drink the water that’s coming out of your tap, it’s a pretty urgent situation. What we saw was a lack of urgency, possibly a lack of transparency, and a good opportunity for our organization to step in and bring attention to what we think is one of the most troubling issues taking place in Central Oregon today,” Hayakawa said.

Central Oregon LandWatch says its focus is not on identifying the source of contamination, but on whether Knife River is complying with local land use rules tied to its mining permit.

“There’s plenty of evidence that Knife River doesn’t respect the terms and conditions of that permit,” Hayakawa said.

Knife River disputes those claims.

In a statement to KTVZ News, the company said any contamination is naturally occurring and linked to the region’s volcanic geology, predating its operations. They added that independent experts and DEQ testing have shown consistent, safe results.

Knife River maintains it is in compliance with all permits, operating with integrity, and not impacting groundwater.

Meanwhile, state and federal officials — including Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley — have called for faster testing and clearer answers for affected residents.

With the third-party review now underway, both sides say they hope it will bring clarity to what many describe as a slow-moving but deeply impactful issue in Crook County.

The full statement from Knife River, along with a PDF they provided for additional information, is below:

“Crook County and the Crooked River Caldera have a volcanic history. This resulted in pockets of groundwater throughout the caldera that contain naturally elevated levels of certain metals. This has been a known condition for decades, far predating Knife River’s operations. No one caused this issue. But we absolutely understand wanting to find the source, and the source is volcanic activity that predates all of us.

Independent experts have sampled the water at the site from before we began operating there to the present day, and the results have been consistent. In addition to the testing that has been conducted at the site for the past nine years, we have drilled more sampling wells under DEQ’s guidance. DEQ has tested from those wells, and an independent expert has tested from those wells, with the results sent to separate labs for evaluation.  Not only have the results been consistent with each other, but they are also consistent with the results from nine years ago, before we began operating there. We will continue to go the extra mile to sample and test and stand behind the science that shows we are not impacting the groundwater.

To be clear, we are in full compliance with our permits. Last week, the Crook County Planning Commission voted to engage a third-party hearings officer to consider if there is cause to have a hearing on this. We will continue to work with the county through this important process and demonstrate that we are operating with integrity, we are complying with our permits, and our operations are not impacting the groundwater. ” – Chris Doan, Vice President of Operations, Knife River.

Woodward Information – April 2026Download

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As Oregon continues to face one of the highest rates of family homelessness in the country, Bethlehem Inn says it is beginning the early planning process for a possible expansion of its services in Redmond.

The nonprofit, which has an emergency shelter in Bend and another shelter in Redmond, says the project is still in its very early stages and that no final plans have been set.

Bethlehem Inn Operations Manager Lindsey Clements said the idea is being driven by the growing need for family shelter services across Central Oregon.

“It’s really in response with knowing that we have families who are still outside, either in a tent or just in their vehicle every single night that we’re not able to actually shelter here,” Clements said.

Right now, Bethlehem Inn can shelter up to 10 families each night in Bend and says it is frequently full.

“We are often full every single night,” Clements said. “We always have someone on our inquiry list.”

The shelter provides private rooms, daily meals, and around-the-clock support services, including case management and connections to community resources.

“When they come in, we can offer them meals every day. We have an amazing private room for them to be in, and just a welcoming space for them to come in and feel like they actually not only have a shelter, but have a home for the time that they’re here,” she said.

Bethlehem Inn says expanding the Redmond facility is part of its long-term vision to serve more families.

At this point, factors such as permitting, timeline, and the scope of the expansion are still being worked out.

The organization says much of what happens next will depend on community support and fundraising.

“This is something that we are really looking forward to,” Clements said. “Any community support that people can provide will help us really start this project and get it going as quickly as we can.”

Financial support from the community will play a major role in determining how quickly the project can move forward.

For families currently staying at Bethlehem Inn, the shelter’s services can be life-changing.

“People really express to us that their lives would have been completely different if they hadn’t gotten the five weeks here,” Clements said.

She added that the organization has seen strong success in helping families move into permanent housing after leaving the program.

“We have such a high success rate with our families going to permanent, stable housing once they exit the program here,” she said.

For now, Bethlehem Inn says it will continue serving families in Bend while working through the early steps of the Redmond expansion process.

Community members are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as plans continue to develop.

To learn more about Bethlehem Inn or how you can support it’s mission, click here.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read announced the start of the 2027-2028 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest today in Salem.The contest seeks photo submissions for the cover of the upcoming edition of the Oregon Blue Book.

The Oregon Blue Book, which is the state’s official almanac and fact book, has been in continuous publication every odd-numbered year by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office since 1911.The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office organizes the photo contest every even-numbered year.

The 2027-2028 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo contest is open until Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Photographers interested in participating are encouraged to carefully review the contest guidelines before submitting images.

Oregon Secretary of State Read emphasized the significance of the book’s appearance.

“The iconic covers of the Oregon Blue Book are part of what makes these books so special,” Read said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how our local photographers showcase the people and places in Oregon through their lens.”

Image submissions can be made through the Oregon Secretary of State’s website or by regular mail. If an image is chosen, contest winners must provide a digital TIFF or high-quality PNG file to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

The Oregon Blue Book contains listings and descriptions of state government agencies and educational institutions. It also features an almanac, maps and facts about Oregon history and elections, as well as information on the arts and other cultural institutions in Oregon.

The Oregon Secretary of State will select one image for the front cover and one image for the back cover of the book.

Contest winners will be announced in January 2027.

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Matthew Draxton

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunriver Resort, managed by CoralTree Hospitality, announced the return of its Food & Wine Festival, a month-long celebration taking place throughout May. The festival features chef-driven culinary experiences designed to connect guests with the region through food and wine.

The event will showcase regional vintners, artisans, farmers and craft beverage producers from across Central Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest. It is open to resort guests, visitors and locals.

Attendees can expect an expansive lineup of tastings, wine-paired dinners, hands-on culinary classes and live music. New experiential offerings and a weekly farmers market beginning May 21 are also part of the celebration. Highlights include exclusive wine and whiskey dinners, a sushi-making class and an interactive s’mores bar.

Executive Chef Josh Hedrick, of Sunriver Resort, emphasized the festival’s focus on regional connection and authentic experiences. “This festival is about more than just a collection of culinary experiences; it’s about creating moments where guests can connect with the region through its food, wine and the people who craft them, all built around real product seasonality and intention,” Hedrick said. “Each event is designed to showcase the depth and diversity of the Pacific Northwest, while giving attendees a reason to slow down, explore and enjoy everything Sunriver Resort has to offer.”

Among the featured events is the Sunriver Wine & Cuisine Stroll at Lodge Kitchen on May 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering tastings from Oregon, Wash. and California wineries paired with Sunriver Resort culinary bites for $70. Bottles & Bites at The Grille on May 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., provides a tasting of six Rombauer wines with chef-created bites for $90. Bites & Flights at Lake House on May 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., offers classic pairings or a chocolate wine pairing, priced between $26 and $35.

A Sushi Making Class will take place at The Lodge on May 16, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., allowing participants to learn sushi preparation for $40. The Penelope Whiskey Dinner at Lodge Kitchen on May 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is a multi-course menu paired with whiskey selections for $150. Erath Winery winemaker Leah Adint will lead an Erath Wine Tasting at Lodge Kitchen on May 29, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with tickets costing $40.

The Farmers Market at The Backyard at The Lodge will run on Thursdays, May 21 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring local vendors. Brisket Night at Lake House is available on Wednesdays, May 6-27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering slow-cooked brisket and sides for $35. A Gourmet S’mores Bar will be at The Backyard Cafe on Fridays and Saturdays throughout May, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., for $10.

For those staying at the resort, Sunriver Resort offers a “Dine & Unwind” package. This package provides a $100 dining credit per night for guest room and suite bookings. Additionally, vacation rental stays receive a complimentary fourth night and dining vouchers for a 10% discount at the resort’s signature restaurants. Guests can use the code SPRING4NF when booking a vacation rental and all guests will receive a complimentary Sunriver Resort wooden cutting board as a keepsake.

Tickets for all events are available for purchase on the Sunriver Resort website. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. More information and booking options can be found at https://www.sunriverresort.com/holidays-events/food-wine-festival or by calling 855-420-8206. Further offers and reservations are available at www.sunriverresort.com/offers or by calling 855-420-8206.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Bend Park and Recreation District will open the application process for its Kids Inc. after-school care program for the 2026-27 school year on Friday, May 1. The lottery enrollment, which supports after-school care for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, will accept applications until May 13 at 11:59 p.m.

The Kids Inc. program operates daily until 5:30 p.m. in all Bend elementary schools, with the exceptions of Amity Creek and Westside Village. The lottery system considers siblings as one household for selection, though each child must be individually registered.

The application window for the Kids Inc. program begins May 1, 2026, at 8 a.m. and closes May 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will receive status notifications by May 18, 2026 and must secure their spot with a first month’s tuition deposit by May 31, 2026. Online applications are available on the Bend Park and Recreation District website during these dates and phone applications can be submitted by calling 541-389-7275 if online access is an issue.

Catherine Ellis, recreation and inclusion manager for the Bend Park and Recreation District, emphasized the program’s importance for families. “The primary purpose of Kids Inc. is to support the after-school care needs of working parents and guardians who do not have other options for their elementary school-aged children,” Ellis said. “The program is crucial for families and the enrollment process is very important for the lottery selection.”

For the upcoming 2026-27 school year, Kids Inc. will continue to offer both part-time and full-time care options, a feature that began in Fall 2022 due to positive feedback. Part-time schedules include Monday and Wednesday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or Wednesdays only. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register for all desired schedules.

Families initially selected for part-time spots have the option to move to full-time care if they indicated a preference for full-time during the enrollment lottery. This transition may occur before the school year starts or at any point during the school year, depending on staffing levels and space availability at the specific school.

The Bend Park and Recreation District asks families who do not rely on after-school care for job requirements or have other care options to consider the district’s various enrichment and sport programs.

The lottery selection process will determine placements for the 2026-27 school year. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 18, 2026 and accepted families must submit their first month’s tuition deposit by May 31, 2026, to secure their child’s spot.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Outdoor debris burning in the Bend area will close at midnight on Thursday, April 30. Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, announced the restriction.

This closure applies to outdoor debris burning across the Bend area. While such burning will remain open in the rural areas surrounding Bend until the specified deadline, debris burning is not allowed within Bend city limits per a City of Bend ordinance.

Backyard fires, which include warming fires, campfires and cooking fires, are typically allowed year-round within the city of Bend. These types of fires are also generally permitted in the surrounding areas covered by Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #two.

Individuals must follow Bend Fire & Rescue burning regulations for these backyard fires. Officials can place additional restrictions on campfires during peak temperatures to reduce fire risk.

The public can check current restrictions every time they burn by calling the Bend area information hotline at 541-322-6335. Further information on burn regulations and permitting is available online at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 2026 Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. in Salem. The annual event, held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. No new names were added to the memorial this year.

The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial currently bears the names of 199 officers. These officers have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal agencies. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Oregon’s law enforcement community expressed gratitude that no new names were added for the 2026 ceremony.

Families, colleagues and loved ones of fallen officers gather at the ceremony each year. This event aims to preserve the memories of those whose names are on the memorial. It is a significant and meaningful event for the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Oregon’s law enforcement community, who remain committed to ensuring the sacrifices of these officers are not forgotten.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training holds the ceremony in partnership with several organizations. These include the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Ore. Concerns of Police Survivors and the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation. Statewide law enforcement associations also partner in the event.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. This scheduling allows family members and co-workers to attend both observances. The national memorial honors more than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest are planning a 44-acre prescribed burn on Friday in the Crescent Ranger District. The controlled burn is located six miles southeast of Crescent and aims to protect homes from tragic wildfires.

The prescribed burn on the DRM four/25 Prescribed Burn units will be conducted if conditions remain favorable. Fire management officials coordinate with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan these burns to ensure weather conditions move smoke up and away from communities.

Ignitions for the burn are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Smoke from the operation will be visible from Highway 97, Highway 58 and the community of Crescent. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Using a portable air cleaner is also recommended if available and central air systems can filter air, especially with high-efficiency filters.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn vehicle air to recirculating. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should monitor their health and contact a health care professional if symptoms worsen.

Further details about the prescribed burn and its timing will depend on favorable conditions. Residents should continue to follow recommended safety measures regarding smoke and utilize the provided resources for updated information.

These controlled burns, aimed at reducing wildfire risks, will cover significant acreage in the region.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 170 pounds of unused medications have been safely removed from the streets thanks to a recent DEA take back event, with 64 cars participating and nearly 80 pounds of injectable drugs collected. For those who missed the event, a convenient drop-off kiosk remains available at the Bend Police Station.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Paralympian Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a five-time Paralympic medalist, visited Buckingham Elementary last week. He shared his journey and messages of resilience and self-belief with students.

The visit, hosted by Bend-La Pine Schools, allowed Garcia-Tolson to discuss his experiences growing up with a disability and becoming a world-class athlete. He spoke about determination and the importance of self-belief.

He took questions from students, signed autographs, and even raced them outside!

Bend-La Pine Schools says that Garcia-Tolson’s story inspired their students to dream big and push beyond limits.

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