Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Paul Cowsill and board member of historical society)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A classic American pop-rock group is heading to Central Oregon, but their upcoming concert is about more than just music — it’s part of a community push to bring a long-awaited historical museum to life.

In Jefferson County, history is all around, but there’s currently no single place dedicated to preserving and sharing it. That’s something the Jefferson County Historical Society hopes to change.

“Jefferson County is the only county in the state that does not have a historical museum,” said Margee O’Brien, a board member with the society. “We bought the building. We just have to get it restored and move our antiquities in.”

The plan is to transform a historic 1908 church in Madras into a community museum. Organizers hope the space will celebrate local history while bringing residents together. They even intend to have rotating displays, so there’s always something new for visitors to enjoy.

“It’s not so much the money as it is the whole idea of getting people in the community behind it,” O’Brien said. “This is a great opportunity for anyone in the community to have a goal and to help us make this museum award-winning.”

While money isn’t the focus, it’s still a necessity. To help fund the project, a well-known name from the 1960s is stepping in.

The Cowsills — the family band behind several major pop-rock hits and an inspiration for “The Partridge Family” — will perform a benefit concert at the Madras Performing Arts Center on April 11th. All proceeds will go to toward making the museum a reality. 

For band member Paul Cowsill, the cause is personal.

“The history that Madras has is insane,” he said. “This is quite a place to live. We want to have everything out of that room back there so people can see it, because they’ll be amazed at the history of this town and this area.”

Cowsill, who has lived near the community for about two decades, feels supporting local history is a way to give back.

Beyond fundraising, Cowsill hopes the concert offers a sense of connection and nostalgia.

“It’s just a time that people can forget about whatever is outside that door and come on in here and kind of get on a time machine, so to speak,” he said. “Bring your kids. They’re going to like it… you’ll love it!”

Organizers say the event is a chance to support a lasting community project while enjoying a night of classic music — a night of nostalgia, with a purpose. 

You can purchase tickets in-person at the Madras Pioneer, online at the Madras Performing Arts Center site, or at the door if any tickets remain on opening night. 

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Triton Notary

SEATTLE, Wa. (KTVZ) NBA owners are set to meet this week, and expansion, including possible new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, is on the agenda.

That raises hopes in the Pacific Northwest that the Seattle SuperSonics could finally return, nearly two decades after the franchise left for Oklahoma City in 2008. The Sonics’ departure has long been a sore spot for fans, and momentum appears to be building for their comeback.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to talk about the idea, which Ferguson has strongly supported. “I’ll leave it to the NBA and the commissioners to share what they want to share, but it was important conversation, a valuable one and I just appreciate his chatting with me,” Ferguson said.

The final decision rests with NBA team owners. Any expansion move would require approval from 23 of the league’s 30 owners, and those conversations are taking place over the next few days. Owners are also expected to discuss the possible completion of the Portland Trail Blazers’ sale, which could be finalized by the end of the month.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Municipal Airport is not currently slated to receive federal immigration agents or face closure despite the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Jayde Hawkins, the airport security manager, clarified the facility’s status following reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are being deployed to several major U.S. airports to assist with staffing.

The deployment of ICE agents comes as Transportation Security Administration officers at Redmond and across the country are working without pay due to the budget impasse. While U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on March 19 that small airports could be forced to shut down if the shutdown continues, Redmond officials maintain that the terminal remains fully operational without any expected changes to its schedule.

White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE agents are being utilized in support roles rather than for passenger screening. These tasks include guarding exits and handling other non-screening duties to assist airports experiencing staffing shortages. According to federal officials, these agents are intended to mitigate operational impacts caused by officer callouts or resignations at larger hubs.

ICE agents have already been reported at airports in Atlanta and New York Other locations that could see federal agents include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is currently the only West Coast location identified as a potential site for ICE support.

Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agency would not confirm specific locations of the federal agents. Bis cited operational security reasons for the department’s refusal to verify where ICE officers are currently deployed.

Hawkins, who also serves as the primary airport security coordinator, said Redmond does not currently require federal support because the facility is not experiencing the same staffing crises seen at larger travel hubs. “We are not going to see that here in Redmond. Or at least we’re not aware of anything that would be headed our way any time soon,” Hawkins said. “The impact or the support that they would do is just for those staffing issues that they are seeing in some of the larger airports where they are seeing, officers quitting or officer callouts that are, impacting them operationally in order to be able to operate their checkpoints.”

Regarding the potential for closure, Hawkins addressed the airport’s categorization as a small facility and suggested that Redmond’s inclusion in federal warnings may have been an error. “Redmond is not closing anytime soon. Our doors are open. We operate. Our building is. Our terminal is open 24 over seven 365,” Hawkins said. “I believe our name came up just because of the category of airport that we fall into. And so I think there may have been some miscommunication that impacted us in that sense.”

Some TSA officers at Redmond Airport have been employed at the facility for 20 years. In response to the shutdown, the local community has organized to provide essentials for these unpaid workers. Donated items include gift cards, non-perishable food and various household supplies.

Community members who wish to donate items to TSA officers can drop them off at the Redmond Airport administrative office. Hawkins stated the terminal will continue to operate on its normal 24-hour schedule.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The business membership program Purpose in Expenses distributed nearly $69,000 to Central Oregon nonprofits during a community celebration on March 13 in Bend. The event, known as PIE Fest 2026, brought together business owners and nonprofit leaders for live check presentations.

The gathering marked the sixth year of the program’s partnership model, which connects local businesses with community organizations to turn operating expenses into charitable donations. Through this system, the program has generated more than $250,000 in global donations over the last two years.

Pahlisch Homes provided the largest single contribution of the evening, donating $21,925 to the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs. The funds are designated to support career and technical education for students in the local school district.

Subaru of Bend contributed a total of $12,000, which was distributed equally among three organizations. Oregon Adaptive Sports, FAN Prineville and the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs each received $4,000 from the dealership.

Beaver Coach Sales presented a check for $10,476 to Oregon FFA. The donation is intended to support the development of agricultural leaders through the state’s branch of the National FFA Organization.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bend received $7,000 through the “I Like PIE” community fundraising run, which included contributions from various program members. Additionally, the Tower Theatre Foundation received $5,000 through the PIE direct giving program.

Other local businesses participated in the live check presentations to their designated nonprofit partners. Team Hyundai of Bend presented a check to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, while Sebastian’s Seafood provided funding for the High Desert Museum. Happy Danes Auto Repair made two separate contributions to Ronald McDonald House Oregon.

Further donations were presented by Shift Naturals and ThAiPas to the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Tim Kia of Bend supported the Neighbor Impact Head Start Program, Kirby Nagelhout presented to the Deschutes Children’s Foundation, RUMPL donated to Central Oregon Landwatch and Second Wind Sports provided funding for Protect Our Winters. The Latino Community Association received a check from PIE in partnership with BBSI. Family Access Network, also known as FAN, received donations from Ruffwear and Embark.

The invitation-only event featured a curated dinner with home-cooked tapas prepared by PIE co-founder Cristina Morales and Thai cuisine from ThAiPas. Entertainment for the evening included live piano music performed by Paula Dreyer.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An adult bald eagle is recovering at a Bend wildlife hospital after being found grounded and unable to fly in Prineville. The bird, identified as Bald Eagle 26-54, spent more than 24 hours in a field before being rescued and transported to Think Wild for urgent care.

Upon intake, the veterinary team diagnosed the eagle with multiple traumatic injuries. These included a scapular luxation, or shoulder injury, pulmonary contusions, and a maxillary beak fracture with blood present in the mouth. The bird also showed signs of wobbling and ataxia at the time of its rescue.

The eagle has shown signs of improvement while receiving pain management, fluids, and assisted feeding. The bird was recently moved to a larger raptor enclosure. Staff report the eagle is beginning to perch well, reach higher spaces, and hold its wings with more symmetry. Currently, the bird still requires supportive feeding and ongoing evaluation of its strength.

While the eagle recovers from physical trauma, the facility also monitors for lead poisoning, a common issue for local raptors. Sally Compton serves as the executive director for Think Wild. Compton explained that most poisonings occur when birds eat the carcasses of animals killed by lead ammunition. When lead ammunition enters an animal, it can splinter up to 12 inches, infecting the carcass with lead.

Compton described how the toxin affects the birds as it enters the bloodstream. “As it permeates through their system, gets to their brain, gets to their internal organs, that’s when they start to really feel those symptoms,” Compton said. While the results for this specific bald eagle were positive, Compton noted that for most animals, the poisoning is fatal.

Think Wild has treated 85 animals for lead poisoning over the years. Of those cases, three have been bald eagles. Almost all of the animals brought in with the illness have died. The facility is supported by donations for food, medical supplies, and staff time, which can be sent to their Erickson Road location in Bend.

If the bird’s progress continues, the next step in its rehabilitation will be the introduction of gentle flight therapy. The team will continue to monitor the eagle’s ability to regain strength for an eventual return to flight.

The Problem Solvers have spoken to hunters and outdoorsmen about the benefits and downsides of using lead while hunting. Find that story here.

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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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