Author: KTVZ

KTVZ – News Team

JEFFERSON CO, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon State Police are requesting public assistance following a fatal crash that occurred on Jan. 10, 2026, between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., on Highway 97 near milepost 101 in Jefferson County. The pedestrian who was struck and killed has been identified as Jared Elijah Cooper, 38, of Madras. Police are looking for any and all witnesses with information.

The crash involved a Ford Explorer driven by James Edwin Legore, 63, of Sandy, Utah. Preliminary investigations indicate that Legore’s vehicle was merging into the northbound lanes when it collided with Cooper, who was on the shoulder of the roadway. Cooper was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Legore reported no injuries.

The crash occurred just before 11:43 a.m., prompting a response from the Oregon State Police and other local agencies. Investigators are seeking any additional witnesses or information about the vehicles prior to and at the time of the incident, particularly regarding a gray or aluminum Dodge Grand Caravan associated with Cooper at the crash scene.

The accident caused significant disruption, as Highway 97 was closed for approximately 5 hours during the investigation. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police’s Northern Command Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or by dialing *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone, referencing case number SP26-010591. Investigators are hopeful that additional eyewitness accounts will help clarify the details surrounding the crash.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from local teen, registration update, and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A simple heart screening could be the difference between early treatment and tragedy — and one Central Oregon student knows that firsthand.

On Tuesday morning, St. Charles Bend opened registration for its first annual “Strong Hearts, Strong Teens” event, offering free heart health testing for young people across Central Oregon. The screening aims to identify hidden heart conditions that can sometimes go undetected in otherwise healthy teens. 

For Central Oregon high school senior and lacrosse player, Francis Vowels, a simple test turned out to be life-changing. She heard about an opportunity for cardiac screening through her sports team and decided to take part — even though she didn’t have any symptoms or concerns. After reviewing the results, doctors discovered a heart defect that required corrective surgery.

“I didn’t know you could have an asymptomatic heart condition and not know anything about it,” Vowels said. “After having this experience, my eyes opened up to students across the country — student athletes collapsing with sudden cardiac death — and these deaths can be preventable with these EKGs. If that could save another person’s life by going through these things, that’s so important. I think everyone should do it.”

Doctors say that early detection through electrocardiograms, or EKGs, and echocardiograms can catch potentially dangerous heart irregularities long before symptoms appear. According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student athletes, occurring in roughly one out of every 50,000 to 80,000 young competitors each year. While rare, advocates say the impact is devastating — and screening programs can reduce those risks through awareness and early treatment.

The “Strong Hearts, Strong Teens” event takes place on February 7th and includes several noninvasive tests, also helping educates Central Oregon’s young people on health safety responses such as CPR. The entire process is offered at no cost to families, thanks to St. Charles and community partners.

Within hours of registration opening at 7:30 a.m., all 128 available appointments were filled, hospital organizers confirmed. A waitlist is now available, though, for Central Oregon youth ages 12 to 19 who would still like to participate. You can find more information through provided links. 

Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Registration is now open for a new, free heart screening event aimed at saving teen lives in Central Oregon. St. Charles Cardiology and the Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon will host ‘Strong Hearts, Strong Teens.’

On February 7th, teens 12-19 will receive screenings for serious heart conditions, an EKG and limited echocardiogram, along with CPR and AED training. Organizers say many dangerous conditions are detectable, but often missed in routine physicals.

You can register for the free event on the St. Charles website.

We’re talking today with a local17-year-old whose heart defect was found by a screening, allowing surgery before she had any issues. We’ll have that report on KTVZ News at 4:00 p.m. on Fox and 5:00 p.m. on NBC

Read the full release from St. Charles Health System below:

On Feb. 7, St. Charles Cardiology and Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon are teaming up to offer a new free event – Strong Hearts, Strong Teens – to screen more than 100 teenagers for serious heart conditions and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Attendees age 12-19 will receive a screening evaluation, including an EKG and limited echocardiogram, designed to assess for heart conditions that can cause cardiac arrest or may warrant further evaluation. Registration for the 128 available spots is required and will open Jan. 13 at 7 a.m. at stcharleshealthcare.org/teenhearts. 

“More than 2,000 young people die every year in the U.S. from sudden cardiac arrest, with young athletes being particularly vulnerable. The good news is that most of the conditions that cause SCA are detectible through a heart screening, which is why we are excited to bring this screening event to Central Oregon,” said Dr. Urszula Tajchman, pediatric cardiologist with the Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon. 

Summit High School senior Francis Vowels, 17, is working to champion this event among her fellow students because she knows the importance firsthand. A heart screening a few months ago revealed Francis had a dangerous heart defect, which has since been repaired.

“I was so lucky my condition was discovered at one of the student-athlete screenings,” said Vowels. “Most heart conditions like mine are detectable, but only with an EKG. It takes less than two minutes, it doesn’t hurt and it can literally save your life.”

The screening can detect concerns that are not typically picked up during a well child exam or routine sports physicals. Students attending Strong Hearts, Strong Teens will also receive training from professionals in use of AEDs (portable defibrillators) and CPR. 

“We are thrilled to see an outpouring of support for this event from our health care partners and broader community. Thanks to the generosity of those who have donated to the Children’s Heart Fund at St. Charles Foundation, we all can come together to help keep our kids safe and healthy,” said Lesley Jones Larson with St. Charles Cardiology.  

Strong Hearts, Strong Teens will take place at St. Charles Heart & Lung Center, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend on Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event is made possible thanks to support from St. Charles Cardiology, the Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon and community donations to St. Charles Foundation. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

Update: Video from Jan 20th protest in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Protesters gathered today in both Bend and Redmond as part of the ongoing Fifty-Fifty-One series of demonstrations.

Today’s protests focused on opposing ICE raids and the deployment of troops against American civilians. The timing coincided with the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump taking office.

Julie Hudson, Bend resident told KTVZ news “My message today is we live under the Constitution. It’s the responsibility of our elected leaders to live by our Constitution.”

Frank Florence, Bend resident also told KTVZ news “Well, I think it shows that people take this very seriously, and they’re coming out on a day where, no, it isn’t very comfortable to be here.”

Between three and four o’clock, demonstrators in Bend moved from Peace Corner to the front of the Social Security Office on Franklin Avenue. Organizers described it as a “walk-out” protest, with people leaving their workplaces and classrooms to join.

Below is our previous post:

Central Oregonians are invited to participate in the Walk Out for Freedom on Jan. 20th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at the Peace Corner and the Social Security Building in Bend, to protest against various issues affecting local communities under the current administration.

Organized by 50501 Central Oregon in collaboration with Women’s March National, this protest aims to address concerns over actions against immigrants, attacks on U.S. citizens and a perceived erosion of the rule of law. Participants are encouraged to walk out from their workplaces and schools at 2 p.m. local time, joining a nationwide call for action.

Here’s a breakdown of the schedule from 50501 Central Oregon:

2 PM: Walkout will begin at 2pm local time across the United States.

2:30-3:30 PM: Peace Corner protest in Bend.

3:30 PM: Participants will march to the Social Security building at 250 NW Franklin St.

4 PM: Participants join Indivisible Bend “Resist MAGA” protest at the Social Security Building.

5 PM: Event ends

The event organizers emphasize a commitment to nonviolent action, stressing the importance of de-escalation and lawful behavior during the protests. Volunteers will be present to facilitate peaceful interactions and maintain focus on the event’s goals.

Participants are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring handmade signs to express their messages. More information about walk-out ideas can be found at the 50501 Central Oregon website, including links to pledge participation.

50501 says community members are urged to join this organized effort to address ongoing concerns and to visibly express their commitment to protecting their freedoms.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– For the first time in its 75-year history, Central Oregon Community College faculty and classified staff, represented by two separate unions, are joining forces to demand living wages.

Contract negotiations are never easy.

They can last for months and even years as employers and employees work to resolve their differences.

At Central Oregon Community College, it’s no different. After 10 months, classified workers and COCC have come to a standstill. The issue at the heart of negotiations is pay.

Scott Dove, an academic tech specialist, told KTVZ News, “We got here because the college is reluctant to offer us what we would consider a living wage and what we frankly consider that we need in order to be able to continue to live here in Central Oregon.”

 Greg Pereira, COCC’s President, told KTVZ News, “We really just hope it leads to a resolution. That’s the most important thing at this point, that we can find equitable and good outcomes that show that we value our staff, that show good financial stewardship, long-term for the institution.”

The classified workers’ union is entering a 14-day mediation period with COCC and a state mediator to hopefully solve the contract dispute. 

Classified workers include staff like custodians, counselors, and tech support.

At the same time, the college’s other major union, representing the faculty, is beginning its budget negotiation period to increase salaries. 

“So even though we live in the most expensive part of the state, our wages have fallen behind by quite a bit,” Mindy Williams, the lead of the faculty bargaining team, told KTVZ News. “So we’re looking to reclaim our worth in terms of our workload so we can better serve this community and serve our students.”

The faculty and COCC will have 145 days to reach an agreement before they reach a mediation stage.

Mediation between COCC and the classified workers will begin in February.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek has appointed former Oregon State Senator Tim Knopp of Bend as the state’s new Chief Prosperity Officer – a key role aimed at growing Oregon’s economy, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Kotek announced the appointment Tuesday, saying Knopp’s business background and decades of public service make him well-suited for the position. “To be successful, this role demands a unique set of skills — an entrepreneurial spirit, a systems thinker, and equal parts pragmatism and persistence,” Kotek said in a statement. “Tim is going to be a great part of my team, and I am grateful that he has agreed to step up and serve Oregonians.”

Knopp, a lifelong Oregonian and longtime Central Oregon resident, served in the Legislature for more than two decades: first in the Oregon House from 1999 to 2005, and later in the Oregon Senate from 2013 until his retirement in 2025. During his time in the Senate, he represented much of Deschutes County and served as Senate Minority Leader.

His tenure also included a high-profile role in the 2023 Republican walkout that stalled the legislative session for weeks and later triggered enforcement of Ballot Measure 113, which barred several senators, including Knopp, from seeking re-election after accruing too many unexcused absences. Supporters framed the walkout as a stand on principle over controversial legislation, while critics said it undermined the democratic process.

In addition to his public service, Knopp has deep ties to the Central Oregon business community. He currently serves as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association, representing more than 800 local companies, and as executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing, a Bend-based nonprofit focused on housing solutions. He said he’ll be stepping down from both roles as he takes on this new statewide position.

“When the governor calls on you to drive prosperity for Oregonians across the state, grow the economy, and support Oregon businesses, the answer is yes,” Knopp said.

The creation of the Chief Prosperity Officer position is part of Kotek’s broader “Prosperity Roadmap” initiative — a strategic effort to boost Oregon’s GDP and expand opportunities for businesses and workers statewide. Knopp will also play a key role in supporting the governor’s newly formed Prosperity Council, which includes business leaders like Ampere founder Renee James and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.

Knopp, who has lived in Central Oregon for more than 40 years, has also served on local boards including the Bend Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit First Story.

He’s expected to assume his new role in the governor’s office next week.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Wednesday, January 14th, KTVZ Meteorologist Shannon Brady gave her final weather forecast on KTVZ News.

Shannon is moving back to Arizona where she attended Arizona State University before moving to Bend to work at KTVZ News. Shannon has loved ones in Arizona and is looking forward to being closer to her family and friends. She has accepted a position outside of news.

“Thank you so much for all the kind words and support you have offered me during my time here,” Shannon said to our viewers.

We will miss you, Shannon! Best of luck on your future endeavors!

You can follow along on Shannon’s journey in Arizona on her Instagram, @shannonbradywx

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is looking for community members interested in helping guide the future of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center.

Three volunteer positions are currently open on the Fair Board, which oversees the year-round operations of the Redmond facility.

One appointee will serve a one-year term, while the other two will be appointed to standard three-year terms. The board meets once a month, and members are expected to attend all 12 meetings each year.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, February 9.

Those interested in applying or learning more can find details on the Deschutes County website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new school in Bend is changing how students learn — and how teachers teach.

The Bend Leadership Academy opened its doors this month, offering an alternative approach where students are seen as leaders and teachers serve as coaches. The goal, school leaders say, is to build critical thinking skills and help children develop areas where they naturally excel.

When KTVZ visited the school, students were engaged in a “Socratic debate,” discussing a topic of the day and practicing respectful disagreement.

“The kids have to have conversations about it with the idea that maybe they’ll change their mind,” said Jenna Minard, founder and head coach of the Bend Leadership Academy. “It’s really about teaching civil discourse — how to disagree politely, and recognizing that’s a skill we can all learn.”

The academy currently serves students ages 5 to 13, teaching them in multi-age groups rather than traditional grade levels. Students who excel in a subject can move on to more advanced material at their own pace.

Leaders at Bend Leadership Academy say their mission is to help children develop life skills early so they’re better prepared for college and beyond.

Enrollment for the new school year is now open.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Demolition crews have cleared the site of the former Boss Rambler Taproom on Bend’s westside, paving the way for a major new development.

The property, located along Galveston Avenue, is being transformed into the two-story Galveston Supply Building. Plans call for restaurants and retail space on the main level and office suites on the second floor—part of a broader redevelopment vision from RSM Investments.

Company representatives say the project required removal of the old parking spaces but add that they’re working with the city to find replacement options nearby.

Construction on both the building and related street improvements is expected to begin this spring.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — The U.S. House on Tuesday approved a funding package that includes over $6 million for Fifth District water infrastructure projects in Rep. Janelle Bynum’s home district, including nearly $1 million to replace aging water pipes in Bend.

A City of Bend representative provided KTVZ News with this background from the grant application that detailed city plans for the funds, which still need Senate passage:

“Replacing galvanized pipes along Georgia Avenue will ensure clean drinking water continues to flow to the 21 homes that are connected to this part of the city’s water system.”

“Replacing these pipes will also improve redundancy of the water system, where identified pipes are 100 times more likely to break than the standard ductile iron pipes the city now uses, per internal analysis. This project will also ensure the adjacent hydrants connected to these pipes meet fire flow requirements.”

“The Bend City Council has expressed goals of water conservation and ensuring housing and other critical infrastructure can withstand wildfires. The proposed project will make meaningful steps towards water conservation through a reduction in wasteful pipe leakages and will ensure this part of our community is further protected from the devastating effects of wildfires.”

“This funding will save taxpayers money in the long run, as it will enhance the safety, efficiency, and quality of life for residents in adjacent neighborhoods and the community broadly.”

“Locating and repairing leaky or broken pipes is expensive and time-consuming. By proactively replacing the pipes with the highest chance of breaking, the city will mitigate future costly repairs and reduce water waste, in the meantime.”

“The city will measure performance in several ways, with a primary emphasis on the system’s ability to maintain fire flow pressure requirements, drinking water quality over time, and a reduction in water outages in this neighborhood due to damaged water infrastructure.”

“The funding requested will be used to purchase 1,250 feet of 8-inch ductile iron pipe, for an estimated cost of $933,400. The remaining $58,850 in requested funds will be used to support a portion of the design updates for the pipes.”

“This project compliments our broader effort to replace broken galvanized pipes throughout the city, but it is separate from that general work.”

Here’s the congresswoman’s news release on the funding package:

Bynum Advances Over $6 Million for Projects in Oregon’s Fifth District

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) voted to advance a package that contains over $6 million in federal funding for water infrastructure projects across Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District.

In July, Congresswoman Bynum fought on behalf of her constituents for over $14 million in Community Project Funding requests to be included in the draft Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills. Today, funding for six of those projects was included in the Interior and Environment Funding Package that passed the House. This legislation will now go to the Senate, and if passed, to the President for final signature.

“Access to clean drinking water isn’t just essential to keep our communities healthy – it also unlocks more affordable housing and faster, cleaner public transit. That’s why I fought to secure this $6 million for water infrastructure projects in CD5,” said Rep. Bynum. “From Molalla, to Bend, to Halsey, to Oregon City, this money will help grow our economy and improve the lives of Oregonians across the district. I’m committed to bringing real money back home that will make a real difference, and to getting the rest of our projects across the finish line and fully funded.” 

The passage of this legislation would bring the full amount of money Congresswoman Bynum has secured for Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District through Community Project Funding to $8,075,250.

The projects receiving funding include:

$992,250 for Neighborhood Drinking Water Protection ProgramRecipient Name: City of BendProject Purpose: This project would replace fragile galvanized pipes in Bend to protect drinking water quality and improve water system redundancy. This project will also ensure nearby hydrants can meet fire flow requirements.

$700,000 for Halsey Municipal Water Well and Water Treatment ProjectRecipient Name: City of HalseyProject Purpose: This project would finish construction of a new drinking water well in the City of Halsey.

$1,092,000 for Molalla Water Intake ProjectRecipient Name: City of MolallaProject Purpose: This project would design and construct a new water intake structure on the Molalla River, the sole-source of Molalla’s water rights.

$1,092,000 for Oregon City Water Transmission Main, Phase 3Recipient Name: City of Oregon CityProject Purpose: This project would complete the final phase of Oregon City’s Water Transmission Main construction, enhancing the city’s water system reliability. By upgrading undersized pipes, these transmission main improvements will resolve inefficiencies, ensuring better performance and responsiveness during high-demand water usage seasons.

$1,092,000 for North Santiam Sewer ProjectRecipient Name: Marion CountyProject Purpose: Funds would help construct the Mill City Water Pollution Control Facility, also referred to as the Mill City – Gates Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will serve the cities of Mill City and Gates – two cities still recovering from devastation of the 2020 wildfires.

$1,092,000 for Clarifier Replacement ProjectRecipient Name: Oak Lodge Water Services AuthorityProject Purpose: The clarifier replacement project would replace the secondary clarifiers 1 & 2 at the Oak Lodge Water Services wastewater treatment plant, which are approximately 35 years old.

Click here to follow the original article.