Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert boasts some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States.   

However, increasing light pollution emanating from developed areas, threatens the health of both nocturnal wildlife and humans.   

One community is taking the lead in protecting Central Oregon’s dark skies – the City of Sisters.  

Tuesday evening, at McMenamins in Bend, I attended the “Natural History Pub – How Sisters is Protecting Central Oregon’s Dark Skies.” 

The event, hosted by the High Desert Museum, celebrated the city of Sisters, as it’s passed an outdoor lighting ordinance and established itself as a Dark Sky International community.      

The presentation discussed the many splendid planets, stars and galaxies you can clearly see in the dark skies.  

What exactly makes Central Oregon cities like Sisters so recognized as a Dark Sky community and so perfect for taking in the vibrancy of the universe? 

“There are a couple of factors. One is the elevation. Two is, the transparency of the sky is based on the low humidity,” said Dark Skies board member Christopher Hill. 

Hill added: “And three, because of that, some of the communities are so small, the actual light dome is much smaller than when you have a larger city, like on the west side of Oregon, around Portland and Eugene. And so therefore, the skies here (are) that much more transparent for being able to see the Milky Way and the stars.” 

As Sisters continues its five-year plan to ensure all outdoor lighting meets Dark Sky standards, the city stands as a shining example of how communities can unite to protect the natural beauty of the night sky. 

For more information on Sisters’ Dark Sky designation and upcoming stargazing events, visit the city’s official website or Dark Sky International. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Another long-time staple of Bend’s dining scene closed down abruptly on Monday, as 900 Wall, a popular spot that opened downtown 16 years ago, closed its doors and apparently informed its employees of the sudden closure the very same day.

KTVZ News had reached out earlier Monday afternoon after an email from an employee said the restaurant had “just closed. … Just got the message from the other 30 minutes ago.” But the phone call and email brought no reply, nor did a visit.

A few hours later, the official word came in a Facebook announcement, accompanied by a photo of … a brick wall:

“We served our last order of fried green beans Sunday evening,” the owners wrote. “We did all we could to continue to provide a living for employees, a sense of community for our guests and a platform for all of the local farmers and producers we’ve worked with for the past 17 years.”

“We are not alone in our struggle this winter and spring, so if you value locally owned restaurants, now is the time to support the wonderful community we have grown with here. We’re grateful we had the opportunity to be a part of so many memories in our community.

And the comments from surprised fans came fast:

Dozens quickly weighed in on Reddit’s Bend subreddit, with opinions (as always) all over the map, other than that the place always seemed very busy at its prominent location at the corner of NW Wall Street and Minnesota Avenue.

“RIP to the best happy hour in town,” said one, while another called the food “unfortunately pretty forgettable.”

Others wondered if the upswing in food cart popularity is why sit-down restaurants – not just the so-called “fast casual” of now-closed Shari’s and the like – are struggling.

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation is making a difference in local classrooms, and you can help make it happen for students, teachers and staff.

Lynsey Harris sat down with Lisa May and Ann Westerhoff to find out about their various programs and a fun upcoming fundraiser – Trivia Night on Wednesday, May 14th at Silver Moon Brewing.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend’s Water Services Department’s 2024 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is now available, city officials said Monday.

The report shows that City customers’ drinking water continues to meet all health standards and that the City is 100% compliant in water quality testing and in meeting and exceeding water quality standards.

“Our highest priority is protecting public health by providing safe, high-quality water services. We work to ensure safe drinking water is delivered to our customers every day,” said Water Services Department Director Mike Buettner. “We are pleased to report that, once again, in 2024, our drinking water quality was equal to or better than state and federal requirements that safeguard public health.”

The Annual Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report, required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, provides customers with important information about Bend’s drinking water, water sources, treatment process, regulatory monitoring results for 2024 and important health information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). View or download the report online bendoregon.gov/waterquality or contact the Water Services Department at 541-317-3000, ext. 2 to request a printed copy.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ viewer Terri Timberman says she was hiking along the Deschutes River near Odin Falls when she spotted a springtime sight of a bald eagle caring for young eaglets.

If you look closely, you can see a few of the babies – and right now, they look a little different than their parents. Most bald eagles don’t develop the iconic white head and tail until they’re about 3 or 4 years old.

The Bend animal hospital Think Wild says they probably are about 3 weeks old, based on their color and downy appearance. They start growing feathers around Week 4, and typically at 3 months old, they fledge or leave the nest for the first time.

While bald eagles are federally protected, their numbers have bounced back and are a pretty common sight here on the High Desert.

Thanks to Terry Timberman for sending in those great photos! You can do the same from the Share tab at KTVZ.COM and on the KTVZ app.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

CRESCENT LAKE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Crescent Lake Junction motorcyclist was killed early Saturday when he collided with a semi-truck as he pulled out onto state Highway 58, Oregon State Police said Monday.

Troopers responded around 12:25 a.m. Saturday to the Klamath County crash.

They said a preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Yamaha TW200 motorcycle operated by Terryl Thomas Ball, 47, of Crescent Lake Junction, was heading north on a Yamaha TW200 motorcycle when he entered Highway 58 from Crescent Lake Highway and struck the side of a westbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by a Clackamas resident.

Troopers said the motorcycle rider died at the scene. The truck driver reportedly was unhurt.

The crash affected Highway 58 for about 2 1/2 hours during the on-scene investigation. 

OSP was assisted by Cascades Central Fire, Crescent Fire and ODOT.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore.  (KTVZ) – Last year, Oregon had one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history—1.9 million acres burned, communities were tested, and lives were changed. But amid the devastation, there were also stories of resilience: homes that stood strong because they had defensible space. 

As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to act now. With the possibility of another challenging fire season ahead, preparing your home could make all the difference. 

“For the last several years, we’ve been proactively working to boost staffing at local fire agencies, modernizing response equipment, and investing in wildfire resiliency projects across the state,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “But we can’t do it alone. We need every Oregonian to rise to this challenge. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.” 

Start with small changes that have a big impact: 

Space and prune trees to prevent fire from climbing into canopies. 

Remove leaves, pine needles, bark mulch, and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to your property line. 

Clean roofs and gutters of flammable debris. 

Move combustible materials—like mulch and firewood—away from your home. 

Keep plants trimmed and clear of dead material, especially near the house. 

Avoid planting directly under eaves; leave at least a five-foot buffer. 

For a detailed guide on how to create defensible space, check out www.oregondefensiblespace.org. 

As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. 

This May, the Oregon State Fire Marshal—alongside fire service partners—is calling on everyone to get ready, stay aware, and believe in fire safety. Together, we can reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most. 

Find tips, resources, links to partner agencies and more at the OSFM’s Wildfire Awareness Month webpage or preventwildfires.oregon.gov.   

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting people, property, and communities from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works in partnership with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Wednesday at around 1 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County 911 will be sending a test message to people signed up for Deschutes Alerts.

Here’s the full announcement from county Emergency Services Manager Lt. Nathan Garibay:

Deschutes Alerts is the notification system we use to alert people of emergencies and evacuations in Deschutes County. We use Deschutes Alerts to send subscribers a message via smart phone app, text, email or phone call.

If you live or work in Deschutes County, you should sign up for Deschutes Alerts and make sure your information is current. Change or create your Deschutes Alerts profile by visiting deschutesalerts.org.

The purpose of Wednesday’s test message is to ensure subscriber profiles are current. There’s no need to contact us if you receive the message.  

If you have questions before or after May 7, you can call our office at 541-388-6501. We can help you confirm or make changes to your Deschutes Alerts profile right over the phone. 

If you don’t get the message within a few hours of the test, or if you want to talk to us about Deschutes Alerts or change your profile, we will have a call center open between 1pm and 4:30pm on May 7. You can reach the call center by calling 541-550-4888. After 4:30pm, the call center will have a voicemail box set up for you to leave your name and number and we will reconnect with you as soon as possible

You do not need to wait until May 7 to sign up or make sure your information is up to date. You can update or create your Deschutes Alerts profile any time by visiting deschutesalerts.org

We have developed a Deschutes Alerts Frequently Asked Questions page that you can visit here, or call our office at 541-388-6501.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

## End of Release ## 

Lt. Nathan Garibaynathan.garibay@deschutes.org

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend Park and Recreation District is opening the application process for the Kids Inc. after-school care program. BPRD’s Kids Inc. program operates in all Bend elementary schools (except Amity Creek and Westside Village). Next year, it will operate after school daily until 5:30 p.m. for K-5th graders.

The Kids Inc. application process for the 2025-26 school year began Monday.

Applications must be received by Friday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. to be included in the initial selection process.  A lottery will be used to determine selection and waitlist status.

Applicants will be notified of their status by Tuesday, May 27 and will have until June 9 to secure the space with a first-month tuition deposit.

To learn more and apply online, visit the BPRD website between May 5 and May 16 at 5:00 pm. If online access is a barrier, applications can be accepted by phone at 541-389-7275.

“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,” said Catherine Ellis, recreation & inclusion manager. “The program is crucial for families and the application dates are very important.”

For the 2025-26 school year, Kids Inc. will offer part-time options, as well as full-time. This option began in Fall 2022 and continues after positive feedback. Part-time schedules are M/W or T/Th/F and will be assigned as part of the lottery.

Families selected for part-time spots will have an option to move to full-time when spaces become available, if they indicate during the lottery that full-time care is preferred. This may occur prior to the start of the school year start or any time during the school year, based on staffing levels and space availability at the school.  

BPRD asks that families who do not rely on after-school care to meet job requirements or have alternate after-school care options available to consider one of the many enrichment and sport programs.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Burn underway)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District were conducting prescribed burning Tuesday on up to 111 acres on the Tiddly Winks Unit 9 Prescribed Burn unit, about a mile west of Bend.

A test firing was successful at the burn location, south of the Cascade Lakes Highway, along the west side of Forest Service Road 41, near the Aspen and Dillon Falls Day Use areas. 

Officials say smoke will be visible from the Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend and the surrounding area.

Residents in Bend and those south and east of the Deschutes River, including Sunriver, La Pine and Redmond were encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. 

The southbound lane of FSR 41 is closed due to smoke impacts from operations. A pilot car and flaggers will escort motorists through the area. 

In addition, trail closures are in place for portions of Storm King and Catch and Release. The entire portion of Storm King south of Cascade Lakes Highway will be closed. Catch and Release is closed from the junction with FSR 100 south to FSR 490. FSR 4110, FSR 4110-650 and FSR 490 are closed in their entirety.

These trail and road closures will remain in place for several days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Trails and roads will reopen once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public. 

Here’s the rest of the announcement:

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

West Bend Prescribed Burning MapDownload

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