Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Downtown Bend Library will close for a comprehensive remodel on April 10, 2026, marking the first major renovation in the building’s nearly 30-year history. The closure coincides with the opening of the new Central Library, which began offering drive-thru services on March 23, 2026.

The downtown facility is expected to remain closed until spring 2027 to allow for expanded public spaces and updated amenities. During this period, the new Central Library at 61956 SE Santorini Street will serve the community through a phased opening, with full public access scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Construction renderings.

Rendering of upgrades.

The Central Library drive-thru, located at 61956 SE Santorini Street in Bend, provides holds pick-up from noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Patrons can return books, DVDs and magazines 24 hours a day at the drive-thru book drop. To use the pick-up service, visitors must select “Central DRIVE-THRU” as their location in the library’s online catalog. When a hold is ready, drivers enter the lane near the east entrance and ring a bell at the window for assistance from staff.

The automated return system requires users to hold their items near a sensor on the chute to unlock it before placing materials in the return slot. This drive-thru facility is limited to standard library materials. Larger items, including curriculum crates, book club kits and materials from the “Library of Things,” cannot be accepted at the drive-thru. These items must be returned inside the Central Library building once it opens to the public in May.

Drive-thru return.

The Downtown Bend Library remodel is the first comprehensive update for the facility since it opened nearly 30 years ago. Once the construction is finished, the building will feature more public space and updated amenities. Library officials have set up a dedicated section on their website to answer frequently asked questions regarding the temporary closure and the specific changes planned for the downtown location.

Renderings of the upgardes library.

The Central Library is scheduled to fully open to the public on May 11, 2026. The Downtown Bend Library remodel is expected to be completed in spring 2027.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend will host an open house on April 7th to provide information on two transportation initiatives: the Hawthorne Connections Study and the Midtown Crossings Project. The in-person event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Newberry Hotel.

The projects are designed to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. While the Hawthorne Connections Study is exploring new walking and biking improvements to address network gaps, the Midtown Crossings Project is finalizing designs for safety enhancements on Franklin Avenue.

The Hawthorne Connections Study focuses on walking and biking improvements along Hawthorne Avenue between Third and Fifth streets and Harriman Street between Greenwood and Franklin avenues. This project is designed to address gaps that will eventually connect to the planned Hawthorne Crossing bike and pedestrian bridge. The project team will share street concepts and collect community input to refine the designs.

City officials stated that the Hawthorne project does not currently have funding for full design or construction. The current study is intended to help the city better understand community needs and position the project to receive future funding.

The Midtown Crossings Project is currently focused on improvements to Franklin Avenue between Harriman Street and Fourth Street. This project aims to improve east-west travel between downtown Bend and the Central District. This stage follows the completion of previous project phases that included work on Greenwood Avenue and Second Street.

During the open house, the Midtown Crossings Project team will present the final design for the Franklin Avenue corridor. Staff will also be available to discuss what residents and travelers should expect during the upcoming construction phase.

The in-person event is a drop-in open house located in the Mt. Bachelor Room of the Newberry Hotel at 300 N.W. Franklin Ave. City staff will be present to answer questions about these projects and other nearby developments. For community members unable to attend in person, the city is providing online open houses on each project’s respective webpage.

Online public comment periods for both projects will remain open from April 7th to April 23rd. Feedback can be submitted through the Hawthorne Connections Study and Midtown Crossings Project webpages.

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Kelsey Merison

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Solid Waste will host three free household hazardous waste collection events in Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine this April. The one-day events are designed to help rural residents dispose of toxic materials safely and reduce the number of trips required to the county landfill.

While the Knott Landfill in Bend accepts hazardous waste weekly, many rural transfer stations are not currently equipped to handle such materials. Greg Brady, the Deschutes County hazardous waste supervisor, said the initiative is intended to protect local resources from contamination.

“Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can harm the environment and community health by allowing toxic chemicals to leak into the soil and groundwater,” Brady said. “We hope that by offering these free, one-day events we can reduce the amount of hazardous waste going into the county landfill.”

The schedule for the collection events begins in Redmond at the Negus Transfer Station, located at 2400 NE Maple Ave. This first event is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th.

The following week, on Saturday, April 11thh, the county will host a collection at the Sisters Recycling Center at 328 Sisters Park Drive.

The final event will take place on Saturday, April 18th, in the South County Services Center parking lot at 51340 U.S. 97 in La Pine.

All three events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents may bring a variety of common household chemicals to these sites. Accepted materials include oil and latex paints, stains, thinners, solvents, and various fuels. Garden products such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers will also be taken, along with pool and spa chemicals. The events will also accept oil-soaked rags, aerosols, mercury-containing thermometers, and rechargeable batteries.

Certain automotive and household items are also eligible for free disposal. Staff will accept vehicle fluids including coolants, lubricants and brake, transmission and fuel fluids. Small propane tanks, such as those used for barbecue grills or camp stoves, are allowed, as are fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Some materials are strictly prohibited from the one-day collection sites. These include business-generated hazardous waste, medical waste, and explosives such as fireworks or ammunition. Organizers will not accept compressed gas cylinders, other than the specified propane tanks and no containers larger than five gallons will be allowed.

For those who cannot attend the April events, the county offers year-round hazardous waste disposal in Bend. The Knott Landfill household hazardous waste facility, located at 61050 SE 27th St., accepts these materials every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at no charge. Residents can also find more information through the Inside Deschutes County Podcast or by calling the Department of Solid Waste at 541-317-3163.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for the public’s help to find 15-year-old Brandy Bird, who went missing from Beaverton on March 13th. Officials believe the teenager is in danger and is likely in the Portland metro area.

Urgent Search for Missing 15-Year-Old Brandy Bird in Oregon

Bird is also known by the name Sky Flores or Sky Florez. She is described as five feet three inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. While her hair is naturally blond, officials noted it may currently be dyed multiple colors. She has distinct physical characteristics, including piercings on her nose, eyebrow, and lip and a rose tattoo on her left arm.

The teenager was last seen in Beaverton and is known to frequent the Hillsboro and Portland areas. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating her disappearance under report number WCSO 50-26-3482. Additionally, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has issued report number 2081609 regarding the case.

Anyone who believes they have seen Bird is urged to contact 911 or local law enforcement immediately.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Elk Vintage, a locally owned boutique, is set to open its first permanent storefront in Bend’s Old Mill District this spring. Owners Jeni Gallacher and Andria Hattenhauer will move the business into the historic Little Red Shed with a grand opening scheduled for May 1st.

The 400-square-foot building is the oldest structure in the district and originally served as a fire hose shed for the Brooks-Scanlon mill. The new shop marks a transition for the owners, who built the brand through regional pop-up markets and community events across Central Oregon.

The business grew from the owners’ history of hosting pop-up shops and participating in markets throughout Central Oregon. They previously sold items at Gathered Wares, Consignment Collective, Dogwood at the Pine Shed, and various events in Camp Sherman. Gallacher, co-owner of Elk Vintage, said the transition to a physical store was a gradual progression from their personal collections. “At first, it was just, ‘We have a lot of cool stuff,’” Gallacher said. “Then it turned into, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we had a store?'”

Co-owner Hattenhauer said the size and historical nature of the structure, which sits near City Home, aligned with their vision for the boutique. “We had seen the Red Shed before and thought, ‘That would be the perfect spot,’” Hattenhauer said. “It’s the right size for what we want to do, and the fact that the building itself has history makes it even more special.” 

The boutique will feature a mix of vintage clothing, accessories, and small home goods sourced from across Oregon, as well as online platforms and regional buying trips. Gallacher’s contributions to the collection focus on vintage T-shirts, denim, and rock-n-roll styles.

Hattenhauer provides a different perspective with classic sweaters and timeless pieces. Gallacher said the inventory is selected to ensure shoppers find unique items. “All of our pieces are one of a kind,” Gallacher said. “You’re not going to walk in and find something everyone else is wearing.”

Each item in the shop is washed, steamed, and prepared before it is available for purchase. Hattenhauer said she hopes customers feel a sense of discovery when visiting the boutique. “We love the idea that a vintage piece finds you,” Hattenhauer said. “That’s what we want people to feel when they walk in.”

The grand opening is scheduled for May 1st from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of the First Friday Art Walk. Regular store hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with new inventory arriving on a weekly basis.

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Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched a national public awareness campaign on Tuesday, which is National Agriculture Day, to promote the new “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard.

The standard, which went into effect on January 1st, 2026, ensures that meat, poultry, and egg products carrying the label come from animals born, raised, harvested, and processed entirely within the United States.

The initiative aims to increase transparency and support American ranchers following significant losses in the domestic agricultural sector. Since 2017, the United States has lost more than 100,000 family farms, representing a 17% decline in operations. The new standard ends the prior practice of allowing imported products to use the label after only minimal processing.

The new policy requires that companies using the voluntary claim meet verifiable requirements for their entire supply chain. Agriculture Secretary Rollins said the goal is to provide a fair environment for domestic producers who invest in American operations.

“Our great patriot ranchers and producers grow, raise, and harvest the world’s safest, most affordable, and abundant food supply. American consumers want to support America by buying American and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust,” Rollins said. “This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.”

The awareness campaign comes at a time of shifting market conditions for the livestock industry. The national cattle herd has reached a 75-year low, even as consumer demand for beef increased 9% over the last decade. In October 2025, Rollins released the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry, which focuses on rebuilding domestic capacity and improving transparency.

Small Business Administration Administrator Loeffler said the label helps sustain family-run businesses by ending unfair competition. Loeffler credited recent efforts to reduce the “massive red tape” that she said has previously burdened the agricultural sector.

“When we choose to purchase from American producers, we get a superior product while supporting the hardworking family farms who put it all on the line every day to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation,” Loeffler said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy noted that the labeling also supports national health goals. Kennedy said the program helps families follow dietary guidelines by providing honest information about where their food is sourced.

“‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information, and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home,” Kennedy said.

Click here to learn more.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire and Rescue took to social media Monday to share an update on a tiny survivor.

According to the agency, many concerned residents have reached out in recent weeks following a structure fire in SE Bend.

‘Dude’ the tortoise was rescued from the fire and is alive and well. Now, after a brief stay with the south station crew, he’s recovering at The Reptile Zone while his family is in temporary housing.

Below is the full post from Bend Fire and Rescue:

“We heard many of you were concerned about the special family member that survived the structure fire in SE Bend a couple of weeks ago.

We wanted to provide an update to let you know that “Dude” the tortoise is alive and well!

After a brief stay with our south station crew, Dude has been graciously taken in by The Reptile Zone while his family is in temporary housing. We are so glad everyone is safe, including the Dude.”

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Kelsey Merison

CABIN BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Discover Your Northwest will host the first annual Care for the Land ‘Spring Trash Bash’ on May 30th in the Cabin Butte National Forest Closure Area. The community cleanup event is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event, part of the Care for the Land program, aims to clean up public lands while building community connections. Organizers designed the morning to foster stewardship and maintain forest areas for future generations.

Participation in the cleanup is open to the public and requires no prior experience. Organizers noted that minors ages 10 and older are welcome to attend but must be joined by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.

All necessary tools and supplies will be provided to volunteers on-site. The event also includes a provided lunch for all registered participants.

Due to permitting requirements and the nature of the cleanup work, dogs are not allowed at the site. Individuals who require a disability-related exception are asked to contact the program organizers for assistance.

Beyond the trash removal, the morning includes opportunities for volunteers to learn about stewardship and caring for public lands in Central Oregon. The program is designed to teach simple ways for community members to stay involved in forest maintenance after the event concludes.

The host organization, Discover Your Northwest, is a Seattle-based nonprofit founded in 1974. The group works throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Montana to support public lands through educational programs and retail operations. Proceeds from their operations are reinvested into the parks and partners they support.

Registration for the event is currently open through an online form. Those interested in participating can sign up by clicking here.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Community Foundation has appointed three new leaders to executive and advisory positions to support the organization’s recent growth. The hires include a vice president for corporate finance and accounting, a director of culturally responsive programs and a senior adviser for community development finance.

These newly created roles are designed to connect programs and regions across the organization as the foundation seeks to expand its impact across Oregon. The leadership additions come as the Portland-based foundation deepens its work in impact investing and community engagement.

Eric Barger will serve as the vice president for corporate finance and accounting. He brings 35 years of experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management to the role. Barger previously worked at the University of Portland for 17 years, most recently serving as the vice president for finance and operations. He is a certified public accountant and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Portland. In his new position, Barger will oversee the finance, accounting, fund administration and grants administration teams.

John Chang has been appointed as the director of culturally responsive programs within the Community Engagement and Equity Department. Chang, who was born and raised in Oregon, has more than 15 years of experience in education and workforce pathways. He previously worked as a program officer at the foundation from 2020 to 2023. His career includes leadership roles as executive director for the Oregon Business Academy, the Clackamas Community College Foundation and College Possible. In his new role, he will focus on strategic investments in programs such as Black Student Success and the Latino Partnership Program.

Nathan Kadish joins the foundation as a senior adviser for the community development finance team. He previously spent 10 years at Ecotrust, where he served as the managing director of finance and assets. Kadish has a background in deploying mission-driven capital and developing economic development projects with community benefits. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and public policy from Pomona College and a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management. His role involves exploring creative financing solutions to support communities across Oregon.

Lisa Mensah, president and CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation, emphasized that the new leadership team will help the organization pursue more ambitious goals for the state. “All three of these leaders bring deep relationships and strong commitments to working in community to uplift Oregon in meaningful ways,” Mensah said. “Bringing Oregonians together continues to be our guiding light and the wealth of expertise each leader brings — across finance, nonprofit management and so much more — helps us deliver even bolder solutions for the state we love.”

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Kelsey Merison

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP) reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente on Monday following a year-long bargaining campaign. The deal covers nearly 5,000 healthcare workers in Oregon and Southwest Washington and includes a 21.5% wage increase over the life of the contract.

The agreement secures benefit protections and aligns contract expiration dates across six different bargaining units. The settlement follows significant labor activity in 2025, including a massive five-day strike involving tens of thousands of healthcare workers.

Under the terms of the three-year and eight-month contract, healthcare workers will receive a 21.5% across-the-board wage increase. Some job classifications will see total increases exceeding 30% in the first year once market adjustments are applied.

The agreement maintains existing healthcare and pension benefits for the nearly 5,000 members. A primary focus of the negotiations was ensuring that all six OFNHP bargaining units at Kaiser share a common contract expiration date to increase future bargaining unity.

The settlement follows a period of significant labor tension, including a five-day strike in October. During that time, more than 3,000 OFNHP members joined 40,000 other Kaiser employees in what was the largest healthcare strike in the United States in 2025. Workers at the time demanded safer staffing levels and higher wages.

The OFNHP members are part of a broader coalition of more than 62,000 healthcare professionals bargaining through the Alliance of Healthcare Unions. Other unions within that alliance are also currently in the process of securing their own specific agreements.

Negotiators addressed outstanding national issues by incorporating specific provisions into local agreements. They also created a new Partnership Agreement to manage joint labor-management initiatives that were previously governed by a broader national contract.

Sarina Roher, president of the OFNHP, said the contract reflects the essential nature of healthcare work. “After an incredibly long and difficult campaign, our members have secured a contract that reflects the strength of our solidarity and the essential work we do every day,” Roher said. “This agreement protects the benefits we fought for over decades, delivers major wage increases that begin to recognize the value of healthcare workers and aligns our contracts across six units so that we can continue building worker power with greater unity and strength.”

Roher also noted that the union remained united despite challenges during the year-long process. “Kaiser tried to break our solidarity, but instead our members stood strong alongside more than 62,000 Alliance union siblings across the country,” Roher said.

Throughout the bargaining process, union members emphasized that improving wages and working conditions is necessary to address the ongoing staffing crisis in the healthcare industry. Union leaders stated that the new terms will help make Kaiser a more competitive employer and improve the retention of experienced professionals.

OFNHP members will participate in a ratification vote on the agreement this week.

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