Pet Pals: Penelope is a sweet girl with a lot to say
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Amber from the Humane Society of Central Oregon stopped by Friday with Penelope, a 3-month-old mixed-breed pup who is all ready to go to a new, loving home.
Update: Seriously injured, rescued bald eagle – the third in weeks – is doing well after a week of care at Think Wild
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild Central Oregon is caring for its third seriously injured bald eagle already this year. But while the first two didn’t survive 24 hours after arriving at the Bend wildlife hospital, this bald eagle – America’s official symbol – has made it through a week of care and is doing well.
The adult female bald eagle was admitted to Think Wild on Monday, March 9, after being spotted on the ground and lethargic near a roadway near Prineville, officials said.
Think Wild volunteer Gary Lauder rescued and brought the eagle to Bend, where staff performed an intake exam under strict quarantine protocols.
Think Wild has been caring for an injured bald eagle found near Prineville (Photos: Think Wild Central Oregon)
In a newsletter to supporters, Think Wild said the bald eagle’s prognosis was “extremely guarded, due to wing and bill trauma and neurological symptoms.”
But on Friday, Think Wild Development and Communications Manager Molly Honea told KTVZ News that she is the first of the three rescued eagles to survive their first 24 hours in care.
And even better news came in an update to KTVZ News on Monday.
“The bald eagle is still with us – a promising sign!” Honnea said.
“She is eating and casting well (like owls, most raptors cast bones and fur in pellets instead of digesting them), and we have recheck radiographs scheduled for Wednesday ,which will help inform her continued care.”
Honnea told us Friday that this bald eagle “was found on the ground in a pasture after being seen crawling through barbed wire and unable to fly.”
“On intake, she showed signs of trauma, including a drooping left wing, swelling and popping in the left shoulder, raspy breathing, and injuries to the bill and mouth,” Honea said.
She was treated with fluids, pain medication, anti-inflammatories and antifungal medication, and her wing was wrapped to stabilize the suspected shoulder injury.
Radiographs did not show a clear fracture, but indicated possible trauma and pulmonary contusions. Honnea said she is being closely monitored, supported with assisted feeding, and will have her shoulder rechecked under sedation, as she stabilizes.
“We suspect these injuries were caused by a car strike, since the eagle was first seen near a rural road between Prineville and Madras,” Honnea said.
“We’ve ruled out Avian Influenza (HPAI) as a cause for her neurologic symptoms, since there are obvious signs of trauma,” she added.
Wildfire smoke hit Bend, other Oregon cities less during 2025 wildfire season, bucking long-term trend, DEQ says
Barney Lerten
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon air quality impacts from the 2025 wildfire season were “minimal,” compared to previous years, as the state’s largest wildfires broke out far from the most populated cities, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports.
The DEQ on Thursday released the 2025 Wildfire Trends Report, which measures how particulate matter from the 2025 wildfire season affected air quality across the state.
The DEQ says many of the large fires during the 2025 wildfire season (June 1-October 25) occurred far away from populated areas, resulting in a small number of days that registered as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or higher on the Air Quality Index for most of the state.
“The air quality effects from the 2025 wildfire season were minimal, compared to the trends we’ve seen during the last 10 years,” explained Oregon DEQ Air Quality Administrator Ali Mirzakhalili. “It was a cooler and wetter summer, and the fires were not close to cities and towns where we have our air quality monitors.
“Nevertheless, the overall trend in the data during the past 10 years is clear in this report. Wildfire seasons have been starting earlier and lasting longer, causing more smoke-filled days for Oregonians to navigate. Furthermore, with the small amount of snow we’ve seen so far this winter, we need to be prepared for a 2026 wildfire season that realigns with these trends.”
The 2025 wildfire season stands out as a year with fewer days registering as unhealthy for sensitive groups on the air quality index across all parts of Oregon. Only two days hit that level in Bend, one in Klamath Falls, one in Medford and none in La Grande or Portland.
None of these locations had any days with air quality that was higher than unhealthy for sensitive groups during the 2025 wildfire season.
However, DEQ says the long-term trend shows a significant increase in the number of days registering as unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse. In the latest report, the agency compares data from two 12-year cycles, 2000-2012, and 2013-2025 to investigate the longer-term trends occurring in the following parts of the state:
Bend: From 2013 to 2025, Bend recorded 101 days with AQI values at USG or worse, compared to six days from 2000-2012; more than a 1,500 percent increase compared to the previous 12 years.
Klamath Falls: From 2013 to 2025, Klamath Falls registered 153 days with AQI values that were USG or worse, compared with 33 days between 2000-2012; more than a 300 percent increase compared to the previous period.
Medford: From 2013 to 2025, Medford had 143 days with AQI values that were USG or worse, compared with 22 days between 2000-2012; more than a 500 percent increase compared to the previous period.
La Grande: From 2013 to 2025, La Grande had 35 days with AQI values that were USG or higher, compared with eight days between 2000-2012; more than a 300 percent increase compared to the previous period.
Portland: From 2013-2025, Portland registered 29 days with AQI values of USG or higher, compared with only three days on record before 2013; more than an 800 percent increase compared with the previous period.
DEQ issues wildfire smoke advisories when smoke will be unhealthy for sensitive groups for 24 hours or more, so people in Oregon can take actions to protect their health.
Wildfire smoke emits a wide variety of pollutants. According to the Oregon Health Authority’s publication, Wildfire Smoke and Your Health, particulate matter may represent the greatest health concern since it can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and may reach the bloodstream. Volatile organic compounds can cause symptoms, such as watery eyes, respiratory tract irritation and headaches.
UPDATE: Senator Jeff Merkley postponed upcoming Sisters, Prineville and Madras town halls
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley postponed his town hall tour in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties this weekend.
The Senator told KTVZ News, “Because of a change in the U.S. Senate voting schedule, all town halls scheduled for Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 have been postponed. An updated event schedule and invitations will be shared in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned!”
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley announced Friday he will continue his town halls with in-person community conversations in Klamath and Lake counties on Friday, March 20, followed by conversations in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties on Saturday, March 21.
The five events continue Merkley’s 2026 town hall tour of Oregon, where he will hold a community conversation in each of the state’s 36 counties.
“I’m looking forward to again visiting wonderful communities all over our state. By talking directly to folks in each county, my team and I can go to work for the interests and needs most important in each corner of our state,” Merkley said.
Since taking office in 2009, Senator Merkley’s office says he has kept his promise to hold an open town hall for each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year – more than 630 to date.
Upcoming town hall conversations are as follows, with additional details to be sent to local media ahead of each event:
Friday, March 20
Klamath County Town Hall
Time: 2:30 pm PT
Location: OIT, College Union Building
3201 Campus Dr, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(Park in Parking Lot A and follow signage to College Union)
Lake County Town Hall
Time: 6:30 pm PT
Location: Lake County Courthouse
513 Center St, Lakeview, OR 97630
Saturday, March 21
Deschutes County Town Hall
Time: 11:00 am PT
Location: Sisters High School
1700 W McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters, OR 97759
Crook County Town Hall
Time: 2:00 pm PT
Location: Barnes Butte Elementary School
1875 NE Ironhorse Dr, Prineville, OR 97754
Jefferson County Town Hall
Time: 5:00 pm PT
Location: Madras Performing Arts Center
412 SE Buff St, Madras, OR 97741
Cascades East Transit expanding region’s Dial-A-Ride service, plans paratransit pilot in Deschutes River Woods
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit, operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, announced Friday that it is expanding its curb-to-curb Dial-A-Ride service areas across the region starting March 30, to boost access to flexible transportation for residents.
CET also said it will launch a pilot paratransit Dial-A-Ride service in Deschutes River Woods, starting May 4, bringing new transportation options to the community just south of Bend.
According to COIC, the Dial-A-Ride expansion “significantly improves access to flexible, on-demand transit options in both rural and urban communities, particularly for seniors, people with disabilities, and residents living outside traditional fixed bus routes.”
“Transportation is a lifeline for many residents in Central Oregon,” said Bob Townsend, transit director at CET. “This expansion helps ensure more people can reach health care, jobs, education and essential services, no matter where they live in the region.”
Expanded Rural Dial-A-Ride
CET’s Rural Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb shared ride service available to the general public, with no application required. The program allows riders to schedule trips within designated service areas within their community and provides transportation for communities where fixed bus routes may not operate.
With this service expansion, residents in Prineville, La Pine, Madras and Redmond will see significantly larger service areas and improved access to scheduled rides. The Dial-A-Ride fare rate is $4 per ride in rural areas. Eligible riders can schedule trips up to 30 days in advance.
Bend Paratransit Dial-A-Ride
Bend Dial-A-Ride provides paratransit transportation service for community members who cannot utilize the fixed-route bus system due to physical or cognitive disabilities. The new pilot service area in Deschutes River Woods will launch May 4 with the goal of extending transportation access to residents who previously had limited mobility options.
Riders must qualify for this service. Qualification information and applications can be found at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/policies/ride-assist or by contacting CET’s call center at 541-385-8680. Bend and Deschutes River Woods Paratransit Dial-A-Ride service is $4 per ride, with a $20 credit to riders who take 10+ trips in a month.
Scheduling trips is easy, by calling the CET customer service center at 541-385-8680. Eligible riders can schedule trips between one and 14 days in advance for Bend paratransit. Updated service maps and eligibility information are available at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/dial-a-ride.
“Expanding service helps more people stay connected to their community,” said Andrea Wasilew, Outreach and Engagement Administrator for Cascades East Transit. “We’re proud to offer riders greater independence and mobility through this service.”
About Cascades East Transit Cascades East Transit is Central Oregon’s regional public transit provider, offering fixed-route buses, city connector routes, recreational shuttles, and Dial-a-Ride, and paratransit services. Service areas include Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties and the Warm Springs community. CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering courteous, safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life. Learn more at www.CascadesEastTransit.com.
COCC classified staff begin strike authorization vote; walkout would be the second in the state
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Unionized classified staff at Central Oregon Community College launched a strike authorization vote Friday morning to protest what they describe as poverty-level wages. The workers, represented by the Oregon Education Association, indicated they are willing to walk out to secure higher pay.
OEA said in a news release that the strike authorization vote will be underway through next Thursday and is expected to pass.
If the authorization is approved, it could lead to the second community college strike in Oregon history, following a walkout at Portland Community College that began Wednesday.
A strike may be called at any time once a vote authorizes the action, provided the union gives a 10-day notice. Union officials indicated a walkout could begin as early as the first week of April.
The union says COCC is considered one of the wealthiest community colleges in the state.
However, they said, classified staff at the college currently earn a minimum wage of $18.91 per hour. According to the MIT living wage calculation for Bend, a living wage for a single person with no dependents is $26.81 per hour.
The union is seeking a contract that would increase the lowest wage to $27.89 per hour by the end of the agreement. OEA added that such a pay level “barely meets the living wage standards for their area.”
The classified workers declared an impasse in their contract talks ane mediation efforts last month.
That prompted COCC President Greg Pereira to tell KTVZ News in a statement that while the college is committed to reaching a “financially sustainable” agreement, it also “must balance compensation growth with long-term financial stability, in order to protect programs, services and tuition prices.
Union leadership highlighted a $4.5 million increase in the administrator salary pool since 2023 as evidence that the college can afford higher wages for staff.
Scott Dove, an academic technology specialist and president of the Classified Association of Central Oregon Community College, stated that the institution has the resources to meet these demands.
“By Central Oregon Community College’s own analysis, they have more than enough resources on hand right now to immediately avert this strike and meet our modest wage demands,” Dove said. “The reason they haven’t is not because they can’t, but because they don’t want to.
“We have members who are actively experiencing food insecurity and who struggle to stay at COCC because they cannot afford groceries and stable housing on the poverty wages COCC pays us. The COCC board has increased the administrator salary pool by over $4.5 million since 2023. We are asking that they make a similar investment in their classified staff.”
Classified staff roles at the college include counselors, administrative assistants, library assistants, custodians and food service workers. More than 90% of the classified staff have already completed strike preparation training with the union.
The Oregon Education Association represents more than 42,000 public educators across the state. The organization represents staff in various educational settings, from pre-kindergarten through community colleges.
Mt. Bachelor reopens after wind-caused closure; some lifts closed for de-icing
Gregory Deffenbaugh
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor reopened to skiers and snowboarders Friday morning, one day after high winds prompted its closure, although more blustery and icy conditions had some lifts on hold.
Officials said on Friday morning’s mountain report that the Cloudchaser, Skyler and Pine Marten lifts started the day on hold for de-icing. The Red Chair also was on hold for an assessment, while Outback remained closed alongside Northwest.
Cloudchaser reopened at mid-morning, followed by the Pine Marten and Skyliner lifts.
The resort advised visitors that strong winds persisted. Mid-morning weather updates showed temperatures just below freezing and winds gusting to 55 mph at the summit, 47 mph at Pine Marten and 32 mph at Sunrise.
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to high winds, Mt. Bachelor was forced to close on Thursday.
According to their website, operations ended at 10:00 am due to dangerous conditions, specifically lift operations.
You can watch a LIVE feed from the summit of the mountain as winds continue to impact operations.
UPDATE: Bend Police identify home invasion suspect, say he died after struggle, fall from balcony
Kelsey Merison
(Update: Police release name, details of encounter)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police on Monday released the name of last week’s home invasion suspect and said he died after falling from the home’s second-story balcony during a struggle with the homeowner.
The suspect in has been identified as Zachary Dale Zamzow Douglas, 36, of Bend, police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.
She said Douglas fell from the home’s second-floor balcony – at least 10 feet – during a struggle with the homeowner late Thursday night, then ran from the scene and died nearby.
“Detectives are awaiting the results of an autopsy,” Miller said in a news release, adding that “no firearms were involved in this incident.”
The homeowner victim was treated and released from St. Charles Bend.
“The investigation indicates that this was a targeted incident, and any relationship between the suspect and victim remains part of that investigation,” Miller added.
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-March 13 — A man died following a late Thursday night attempted home invasion at a residence on NW Braid Drive in Bend according to the Bend Police Department. Officers found the intruder with life-threatening injuries on a nearby golf course shortly after the suspect struggled with a resident.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on March 12th, 2026. The resident sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation and was transported from the scene by Bend Fire and Rescue for medical treatment.
The resident was inside the home when they reported that an unknown person attempted to force entry. A physical struggle ensued between the resident and the intruder before the suspect fled the scene on foot.
Officers arriving at the residence conducted a search of the surrounding area and located the intruder lying on a nearby golf course. Emergency medical personnel provided care at the scene, but the intruder did not survive.
Bend Police Detectives are currently leading the investigation. The identity of the intruder has not yet been determined and the specific cause of the fatal injuries has not been released.
Sunriver Music Festival gears up for busy spring and summer
Kelsey Merison
SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 49th season of the landmark Sunriver Music Festival will take place this year and at least one work by an American composer will commence every program this season.
The nonprofit festival presents orchestral performances and supports music education throughout Central Oregon. The upcoming spring and summer schedules highlight a commitment to American composers while maintaining traditional European classical repertoire.
Before the summer season begins, Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell will perform a solo piano recital titled “The Maestro at the Piano” on April 11th. Mitchell is formally designated on the Steinway Artist roster, a list of the world’s most accomplished and discriminating artists. The event includes a complimentary wine tasting from Willamette Valley Vineyards for all ticketholders, while VIP ticketholders are invited to a post-concert reception with the maestro. Tickets range from $50 to $90, with a discounted rate of $25 for those under age 25.
The festival also continues its 30-year tradition of supporting local students through the Young Artists Scholarship program. To date, the program has awarded nearly $750,000 to exceptional classical music students from throughout Central Oregon. Applications for advanced students ages 11 to 24 are due by May 1st. Community members can attend a free scholarship recital on June 5th in Sunriver to see the scholarship recipients perform.
Fundraising efforts for these scholarships and world-class concerts include the “Raise the Baton” party on July 18th. Hosted by Mitchell at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend, the event serves as the festival’s premier annual fundraiser. Tickets for the party go on sale April 1st.
The “America@250” summer lineup features several acclaimed soloists, including pianist Michelle Cann and bass-baritone Timothy Jones. They will be joined by violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark for performances at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre. The season marks the 49th year of the festival.
Mitchell explained the thematic focus of the upcoming season and its blend of contemporary and traditional works. “This summer, America celebrates a 250th anniversary and we’re so pleased to mark the occasion with at least one work by an American composer on every program this season,” Mitchell said. He noted the programs will include classics by Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber alongside works by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts and Grammy-winners Edgar Meyer and Joan Tower. “We’ll also of course bring to life so many of the great European classics we all know and love, including works by Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Bach, Mozart and Schumann,” Mitchell said.
Ticket sales for the summer festival open to the general public on June 1st. Members of the Friends of the Festival at the Conductor’s Guild tier may purchase tickets as early as April 1st. Full details and application information are available at sunrivermusic.org.
Redmond Municipal Airport welcomes Breeze Airways’ new Las Vegas route
Kelsey Merison
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Breeze Airways launched new nonstop service from Redmond Municipal Airport to Las Vegas on March 13th, 2026. The airline is offering one-way fares for the new route starting at $69.
The service includes twice-weekly flights operating on Mondays and Fridays. In addition to the Las Vegas route, the carrier introduced “BreezeThru” service to Provo, Utah, which allows passengers to reach the destination with one stop and no change of aircraft.
The new flights to Las Vegas and Provo are scheduled to operate every Monday and Friday. The expansion is part of the airline’s model of connecting travelers in underserved markets to destinations nationwide through direct or streamlined flight paths.
Jeff Weber, chief people officer at Breeze Airways, highlighted the new travel options available to Central Oregon residents. “We are so excited to start our service from Redmond,” Weber said. “Guests can now enjoy the entertainment of Las Vegas or continue on to experience the beautiful mountains of Utah.”
Aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman founded Breeze Airways, which first began flying in May 2021. The carrier now operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes across 86 cities in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.
The airline uses a flagship fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Onboard amenities include high-speed WiFi, preferred seating options, and free family seating. The company also maintains policies that include no fees for flight changes or cancellations.
Travelers can book flights or find more information by visiting the Breeze Airways website or downloading the company’s mobile app.