Author: KTVZ

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual FairWell Festival is returning to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, bringing in thousands of excited concert-goers to Central Oregon.

Ahead of the event, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are offering public safety reminders to celebrate responsibly.

The agencies are urging those driving and attending to plan ahead, travel safe, and avoid drinking and driving.

“With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond,” DCSO said in a recent press release. “Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.”

Have fun, be safe, and celebrate responsibly!

If you’re attending, share photos with us for your chance to be featured in our newscasts by clicking here.

Read the full press release below:

“As thousands of people head to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Fairwell Festival, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are reminding drivers and festivalgoers to plan ahead, travel safely, and celebrate responsibly.

With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond. Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.

‘Fairwell Festival is one of the most exciting weekends of the summer in Central Oregon,’ said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. ‘Our deputies are here to help make the experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. With large crowds and lots of traffic, we encourage folks to plan ahead, be patient, and make smart choices—especially when getting to and from the event. We want people to have fun, create great memories, and get home safely.’

DCSO will have teams stationed at the fairgrounds working directly with event staff. OSP and Redmond PD will lead highway and local street enforcement, emphasizing DUII prevention and crash response. In previous years, OSP has arrested more than 20 drivers during the festival weekend for DUII offenses.

“Your festival plans should include a sober ride home, whether using a rideshare service or designating a sober driver,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy with Oregon State Police. “Have a plan to get home safely. It’s that simple.”

Local law enforcement presence is not about dampening the fun but ensuring that everyone—from festival attendees to local residents—stays safe on local roads. Drivers not attending the festival should expect heavier-than-usual traffic in and around Redmond, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday and Saturday.”

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just days after Avelo Airlines announced it would be leaving Redmond Airport, another airline, Breeze Airways, announced Thursday it will be serving Redmond starting next spring with nonstop flights to Burbank and Las Vegas and one-stop flights to Provo-Salt Lake City.

Here’s the full announcement from Salt Lake City-based Breeze Airways, with which Central Oregon travelers can now start booking those flights:

Breeze Airways Announces New Service to Burbank-Hollywood, Calif. and Las Vegas from Redmond-Bend  

— Fares Start from $49* One Way –  

   REDMOND, Ore. (July 17, 2025) – Breeze Airways,  the premium leisure carrier connecting underserved cities across the U.S., today announced that it will be bringing its affordable, accessible air service to Redmond-Bend on March 13 with new nonstop service from Redmond-Bend to Burbank-Hollywood and Las Vegas, and one stop/no change of plane BreezeThru service to Provo-Salt Lake City.  

“Breeze is known for its convenient, affordable flights, premium seating options, and amenities like fast onboard WiFi and power at every seat, and we look forward to introducing travelers in the Redmond-Bend area to our Seriously Nice service,” said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “Central Oregon is exactly the kind of underserved market our airline set out to serve and we’re confident our new Guests will enjoy their enhanced travel experience onboard one of our brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft.” 

Beginning today, Central Oregon travelers can book a flight on Breeze to: 

Burbank-Hollywood, Calif. (Mondays and Fridays, starting March 13, 2026, from $49* one-way); 

Las Vegas, Nev. (Mondays and Fridays, starting March 13, 2026, from $49* one-way); and 

Provo-Salt Lake City, Utah (One-stop/no change of plane BreezeThru, service on Mondays and Fridays starting March 13, 2026). 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Breeze Airways to Redmond starting March 13, 2026,” said Airport Director Zachary Bass. “Breeze brings a fresh, customer-focused approach to air travel, and their arrival reflects the continued strength and growth of Central Oregon as a travel destination and economic hub. We’re confident that their service will be a great fit for our community, and we look forward to providing even more convenient, friendly, and affordable travel options for our passengers.”  

The announcement, which follows the close of the airline’s second full quarter of operating profit, is a direct response to growing demand for the airline’s successful hybrid business model and represents a significant expansion of Breeze’s West Coast network. 

Breeze was recently named one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative companies of 2025 for its fresh take on affordable flying that is transforming low-cost air travel into a nice experience. It was also named the No. 3 Best Domestic Airline by Travel + Leisure in 2025, placing Breeze in the list’s top four every year since it began flying.  

The airline’s flexible network conveniently connects travelers in underserved cities directly to desirable destinations nationwide, reducing unnecessary travel time and making air travel more accessible to millions of travelers coast to coast. Coupled with its brand-new fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft and premium products like free family seating, fast onboard WiFi, preferred seat options, and no change and cancel fees, Breeze is making it nice to fly affordably. 

To learn more about Breeze or to book a flight, visit flybreeze.com or download the Breeze Airways app. 

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*$49 No Flex Fare promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for BUR-RDM, RDM-BUR, LAS-RDM and RDM-LAS. Promotion must be purchased from July 17, 2025, July 23, 2025 (11:59 pm PT). BUR-RDM, RDM-BUR, LAS-RDM, and RDM-LAS promotion is valid only for travel from March 13, 2026, through May 12, 2026. Price displayed includes taxes & government fees. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply. 

About Breeze Airways  

Breeze Airways operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes to 76 cities in 34 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze took flight in May 2021 bringing premium, affordable, and nonstop air service to secondary markets on its flagship fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Breeze has been named a top 4 “Best Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure for four consecutive years and was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025. Breeze was the first U.S. domestic airline to be certified by Autism Double Checked and is the official airline of Make-a-Wish Utah. With seamless booking, friendly policies, and customized booking options, Breeze makes it easy to buy and Seriously Nice™ to fly. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University–Cascades announced this week it will offer a new bachelor’s degree in accountancy this fall to address the growing need for financial experts in Central Oregon and across the state.

Here’s their full announcement:

About 1,300 jobs are projected to open annually for accountants and auditors through 2032 in Oregon, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Openings for certified public accountants in Oregon are expected to further increase as current CPAs retire. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 75% of CPAs in the U.S. are nearing or have reached retirement age.

To address the shortage, the Oregon State Legislature passed an emergency bill that took effect on July 1 establishing the Oregon Board of Accountancy Pipeline Fund, a $1 million, needs-based scholarship program for students seeking higher education in accounting. The application will open in early 2026 and scholarships will be awarded starting in the 2026 spring term. 

“It’s a dynamic and opportune time for young people, or people hoping to advance or change careers, to enter the accounting profession,” said Logan Steele, an associate professor of accounting. “Employers and clients are actively seeking tech-savvy accounting graduates who can strategically problem-solve and help find solutions for the most complex financial challenges.” 

Steele, who serves on the Oregon Board of Accountancy and will lead the program, said that while powerful software platforms produce mathematical processes and analyses that inform the work of CPAs and other financial experts, the human component will remain essential. 

The accountancy degree is offered through OSU’s College of Business, where the Corvallis-based program experienced a 98% job placement rate in 2024 and accountancy graduates’ average starting salary was $67,880. 

The top employers for alumni of the accounting program include KPMG International, Moss Adams, LLP and Deloitte & Touche.

Students in the program will take courses in specialized business topics, including financial and managerial accounting, as well as courses in economics and communications. They will also participate in career development activities throughout their academic experience that might include internships, practicums and networking activities.

The accountancy program at OSU-Cascades will be delivered primarily in-person, with some courses delivered online via OSU’s Ecampus. 

Programs also offered through the College of Business at OSU-Cascades include business administration and hospitality management.  

To learn more, visit osucascades.edu/accountancy. 

About OSU-Cascades:  Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.

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Barney Lerten

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) — As hot, dry temperatures continue, the Willamette National Forest will implement fire restrictions starting Friday, July 18. The Fire Danger Level across the forest remains “Moderate” and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) remains at level I.

The fire restrictions apply to all lands within the forest, including the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Waldo Lake, and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas, according to the announcement, which continues in full below:

All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires will be prohibited outside of designated campgrounds under Forest Order #06-18-00-25-10. Campfires are only allowed in metal campfire rings or grills in designated recreational sites, except when the site is closed to the public.

Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off. Generators are permitted only in areas devoid of vegetation, such as campground pavement.

Santiam Pass and Huckleberry OHV areas remain open to motorized vehicles, and e-bikes are still allowed on motorized trails. All motorized vehicles must follow the Willamette National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps. Restrictions will also go into effect for smoking and chain saws in campgrounds. Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. Additionally, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame is also not allowed.

Please be aware of current restrictions before you head out and share current information with others who may be unaware of the restrictions. Additionally, fireworks are never allowed on national forests.   

Visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire and follow us on Facebook and X @WillametteNF for current fire information. To report a wildfire, please call 911. 

06-18-00-25-10_WIF_Stage 1_PURsDownload

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Statement regarding Police Chief Tim Plummer’s exit from the Madras Police Department)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras City Council voted 4-0-1 Wednesday night to fire Police Chief Timothy Plummer. Joined with Plummer’s sharp public criticism of City Administrator Will Ibershof, who recommended his dismissal, the Madras City Council meeting was heated.

Here is the new statement from the City of Madras regarding Police Chief Tim Plummer’s exit and the appointment of Paul Garrison as interim police chief:

During the Council meeting, Ibershof claimed the Police Department was “lacking a strong leader” and said the City’s Human Resources Director was concerned that Plummer was “not holding his folks accountable,” resulting in dropped criminal charges.

Plummer was given 10 minutes to address the council and provided a document that he summarized.

He claimed his impending termination “constitutes retaliation against me for protected activities,” including a complaint he filed with the City on behalf of his Chief of Staff.

The Police Chief, hired for the position two years ago, said he believes he has been targeted by “a coordinated and targeted pattern of retaliatory conduct: that violates city policy, and applicable labor and discrimination laws.”

Plummer said an annual performance evaluation only had involved the previous three months and “looks more like a scoring blueprint for hiring somebody.”

The chief also said, “I usually don’t like to air dirty laundry,” but that “I’ve had concerns about the City Administrator and how he’s doing and acting.”

Plummer referred to a department head meeting, and Ibershof’s struggle to collect his thoughts to lead the session.

KTVZ News will continue to follow this story in Madras.

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Triton Notary

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Despite the size of the Cram fire the Red Cross tells KTVZ news no one has used their shelter in Madras for the last 2 days. Even though the shelter was empty outside of the volunteers, representatives from the Red Cross tell us they’re eager to help anyone who shows up. 

Morgan Schmidt, from Red Cross told KTVZ news “We’re here and we’re here to help for as long as help might be needed. The Red Cross is here to offer shelter to anybody who has been impacted by the fire, as well as their pets. We always want to make sure people know they can shelter with us even if they have animals.”

Besides shelter, the Red Cross offers meals, water, and comfort in this blistering heat. The Red Cross shelter for those affected by the Cram Fire is located at the Jefferson County Middle School.

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John Carroll

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week, our gardens highlight several different ways you can express yourself through your garden. A garden filled with a variety of plants and flowers in the La Pine area that has thrived even with the harsh heat this summer. A cool pond and stream combo nicknamed “Tranquility” and an old-fashioned hand-crank water pump is the centerpiece for another lovely display.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire has contained a fire that broke out at 2:35 PM in north Bend off Highway 97, near the homeless encampment known as “Dirt World.” According to Pulse Point, the fire appears to have been started from a vehicle.

Dan Derklacki with Bend Fire told our reporter on the scene that the blaze quickly started other fires, which his crews were able to quickly put out. The exact cause is being investigated.

KTVZ News captured firefighters putting out what appears to be a vehicle or RV, burned to its studs. The video shows that the fire was in the ‘Dirt World’ fire encampment, known officially as Juniper Ridge.

A viewer sent KTVZ News shocking images just minutes after the blaze started, which show dark, thick, black smoke pouring into the sky.

The size of Dirt World has grown in size over the past few months, as federal officials shut down camps on China Hat Road and other public land.

KTVZ News has reported on many fires at the homeless encampment, which have neighbors and officials concerned.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Highland Fire burning in the Juniper Canyon area southeast of Prineville is now 75% contained and remains at 719 acres, officials said Thursday.

Here’s what apparently will be the last daily update from officials on the fire that broke out in the Juniper Canyon area Saturday afternoon:

Yesterday, task force structure crews and federal wildland crews continued mop-up operations and the reinforcement of existing lines to enhance containment efforts. 

The weather today will be warmer and drier, with temperatures around 90 degrees and minimum humidity at 13%-18%. 

Today, crews will continue mop-up operations and containment efforts of the fire perimeter. With the expected hotter and drier weather, there is a chance of smoke or trees torching inside the fire perimeter. 

Report related concerns to Crook County’s 24-hour non-emergency line (541) 447-4168. 

Please only call 9-1-1 if this activity occurs outside of the fire perimeter or if a structure is threatened. 

All evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1 or 2 and are expected to remain at these levels for the next day or two. 

Fire personnel continue to work inside and around the fire perimeter. Please reduce speeds while driving in work areas and be aware of heavy machinery and crews along roadways. 

As of 6:00 am this morning, the Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal Blue Team departed for their home units and management of the fire remains under the single command of the Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team through tonight.

Command of the fire will transition back to Crook County Fire & Rescue and an Oregon Department of Forestry Type 4 Incident Commander tomorrow morning. 

This will be the last daily update for the Highland Fire unless significant changes occur. Future updates will continue to be posted on the Crook County Fire & Rescue Facebook page.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, smoke and air quality concerns are top of mind for many Central Oregonians. It’s important to remember to limit your time outdoors and think about your furry friends.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pets with cardiovascular or respiratory disease are especially at risk.

Here are a few signs to watch out for, according to the AVMA:

-Coughing

-Difficulty breathing

-Eye irritation or excessive watering

-Disorientation

-Reduced appetite or thirst

Here are some tips to protect your pets:

-Keep pets indoors as much as possible

-Keep your windows closed

-Avoid intense outdoor exercise

-Keep bathroom breaks outdoors short

 Here are some tips to protect your livestock:

-Provide plenty of fresh water near feeding areas

-Limit exercise

-Plan to give livestock 4 to 6 weeks to recuperate after the air quality returns to normal

Click here to learn more.

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