Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday that firefighters plan to start spring understory prescribed burning season as early as next week, if conditions become favorable. At the same time, Central Oregon public health departments urged preparation for the season and the smoke it will bring.

The forest said it hopes to accomplish up to an estimated 11,626 acres of prescribed burning, including up to 7,000 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 2,126 acres on the Crescent Ranger District, and 2,500 acres on the Sisters Ranger District.

Here’s the rest of Wednesday’s Forest Service and public health announcements:

Prescribed burns are slated for the following general areas: 

Bend – one mile west of Bend adjacent to Cascades Lakes Highway, Forest Service Road 41, and Skyliner Road; south of Bend adjacent to Forest Service Road 18; southeast of Bend near Forest Service Road 18 and 25 junction; northern portions of Pine Mountain

Camp Sherman – along Forest Service Road 14 near the base of Black Butte and north of Camp Sherman near Smiling River and Pine Rest Campgrounds

Crescent – five miles southeast of Crescent and east of Highway 97 off Forest Service Road 9760 near Boundary Springs Campground; approximately one mile south of the Two Rivers subdivision; east of Highway 97 near the Highway 97 and 58 junction

La Pine – three miles northeast of La Pine adjacent to McKay Crossing Campground; one mile east of La Pine near Finley Butte; 30 miles southeast of La Pine near Quartz Mountain; south of Highway 31 approximately 12 miles southeast of La Pine

Sisters – within one to five miles south to northwest of Sisters

Sunriver – two miles northeast of Sunriver on the east and west side of Highway 97 near Lava Butte; east side of Highway 97 near the South Century Drive interchange; one mile west of Sunriver along Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the vicinities of Anne’s Butte and Pistol Butte

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. Once firefighters ignite prescribed burns, they monitor and patrol the units until they declare the burn out.

Prescribed burns, which are primarily conducted in spring and fall, are carefully planned and implemented under specific conditions of temperature, wind, humidity, and vegetation moisture.

Firefighters work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Forestry smoke forecasters to identify conditions that will minimize smoke impacts on people and communities.

While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. Most smoke impacts occur during the night and early morning hours.

For more information on prescribed burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Visit centraloregonfire.org/prescribed-fire-smoke-plans/ to view an interactive map with planned burn locations. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive prescribed burn text alerts. Follow along on X @CentralORFire.

Health officials urge smoke readiness before prescribed burn season

Public health officials in Deschutes, Klamath and Jefferson counties, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, are encouraging residents to get ready for smoke before prescribed burn season begins.

Starting in mid-March, Forest Service crews will conduct prescribed burns on public lands across Central Oregon. Prescribed burns are important because they help reduce the risk of severe wildfires, but the smoke they generate can make air unhealthy to breathe.

“Smoke from prescribed burns and wildfires contain tiny particles you can’t see. Those particles can get deep into your lungs and even into your bloodstream,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett. “Breathing smoky air can make some people sick, especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. If smoke is in the forecast, plan ahead so you can limit time outside and keep the air in your home as clean as possible.”

“The 2024 community health assessment showed people are concerned about smoke in the community,” said Director Jennifer Little of Klamath County Public Health. “We have a GIS map on our website to show where prescribed burns are happening that might affect Klamath County. It also includes the current air quality index and is updated as information is received.”

Important steps to take during smoke season:

Know your AQI. Learn the basics of the Air Quality Index (AQI) now, before smoke arrives.

Check air quality often. Limit time outside when smoke is present, especially if you are in a higher-risk group.

Stay indoors when air quality is poor.

AQI above 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

AQI 150 or higher is unhealthy for everyone.

Keep smoke out of your home. Close windows and doors, especially overnight and early mornings when smoke can be worse.

Make a DIY air filter. Use a box fan and a furnace filter to clean indoor air. Learn how by watching this video.

Wear the right mask. If you must be outside in heavy smoke, wear a NIOSH-approved N95.

Take it easy outdoors. Avoid strenuous exercise when AQI is 150 or higher.

Keep smoke out of your car. Close windows and vents and use the recirculate setting on your A/C.

To learn more about Forest Service prescribed fires, including locations and planned burn dates, visit: centraloregonfire.org.

For more about protecting your health during prescribed burn and wildfire season, visit:

Deschutes County Public Health

Klamath County Public Health

Central Oregon Fire information

Air quality (AQI) in your area

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools has chosen a name for its newest high school, opening next fall. The new choice option school will be known as Deschutes River High School. 

The district’s School Board voted unanimously for the name at its meeting Tuesday night. 

Deschutes River High will offer a new model where students will explore interdisciplinary, project-based work, college-level Advanced Placement classes, and Career and Technical Education. As a choice option high school, it is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who live in the district. 

“The district is excited to offer Deschutes River High School to our community,” Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk said in Wednesday’s announcement.

“Bend-La Pine Schools believes in the power of educational choice. Our new choice high school will provide students opportunities to explore future pathways while being a part of a school community centered in leadership and belonging.” 

The opportunity to create the school stems from the district’s decision to end its lease of property that has housed Realms High School and Realms Middle School.

Both Realms High and the district’s other choice option high school, Bend Tech Academy, are coming together to form the Deschutes River High School. It will be located at 1291 NE 5th Street, the current location of BTA. The school district plans to will relocate Realms Middle School to the Buckingham Elementary School campus for the 2026-27 school year.   

In January, Bend-La Pine Schools began the process of naming the new school by surveying students, families, and staff to gather ideas and recruit volunteers for a naming committee. Students, families, staff, and school leaders reviewed suggested names and used a series of surveys, meetings, and activities to narrow the list.

Using feedback from the Realms and BTA school communities, the committee presented the top three recommendations to the board in February. 

The new Deschutes River High School will be built around three core pillars: Character, Community, and Service; Excellence Through Purposeful Work; and Industry and Higher Education Readiness.

The school will offer four Career and Technical Education academies – Medical, Business, Construction, and STEM/Engineering – along with advanced coursework including AP and college credit. 

Officials also said the new high school already has a full enrollment, following the school district’s choice option lottery process in January, and has a waitlist for 2026-27.

Families can learn more about the school at https://bls.fyi/drhs.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A garage fire linked to improperly disposed woodstove ashes resulted in $50,000 in damage to a southeast Bend home Tuesday night. Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the blaze in the 700 block of Southeast Douglas St. just before 11:00 p.m. on March 10th.

The family was alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms and evacuated safely before calling 9-1-1. Fire crews contained the flames primarily to the single-car garage, though the American Red Cross was called to assist the family because the house is currently unsafe to live in.

Investigators determined the fire started when woodstove ashes were placed into a trash container inside the garage. The flames spread to the contents of the garage and had begun to enter the main house before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The property damage is estimated at $50,000 for the building and its contents. Both the owners and the renters of the home have insurance to assist with the rebuilding process.

The effectiveness of the smoke alarms followed a proactive safety check; in late 2025, Bend Fire & Rescue assisted the occupants in checking their alarms to ensure they were working properly.

Bend Fire & Rescue recommend letting ashes cool inside a wood-burning appliance for two to three days before removal. Once removed, the ashes should be placed in a non-combustible container, such as a sturdy metal bucket with a metal lid.

The container should be kept at least 10 feet away from any combustible materials until the ashes are completely cool. This process can take several days or weeks. Ashes can remain hot enough to ignite a fire for four to seven days after being removed from a woodstove, even if they do not feel hot to the touch.

Bend Fire & Rescue provides free assistance for residents who need help checking or installing smoke alarms. Last year, the department helped families install 1,500 alarms. Residents can request help by calling 541-322-6386, while those outside the Bend area can contact their local fire department or the Central/Eastern Oregon Chapter of the Red Cross at 541-382-2142.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz announced her candidacy for seat 5 of the Deschutes County Commission on Tuesday. Letz, who has served on the Sisters City Council since 2021, is running for a position that county voters recently designated as nonpartisan.

The announcement comes ahead of the May 19 primary election. Letz, a Central Oregon native and Bend High School graduate, said her experience as a city official and small-business owner has prepared her to manage the diverse needs of the county’s residents.

Letz is a small-business owner who has served as a member of the Sisters City Council since 2021. Her professional background includes work as a wildland firefighter, backcountry park ranger and sustainability specialist.

A graduate of Bend High School, Letz is also the parent of a middle school student. The mayor addressed the nonpartisan nature of the commission positions, which was established by a county ballot measure.

“Deschutes County voters passed a ballot measure that ensures the Deschutes County Commission positions are nonpartisan, and I truly believe I am a candidate who fits that mandate,” Letz said. “Voters don’t want partisan decision-making to affect their lives. My experience as an open-minded problem-solver who has a track record of managing multiple stakeholders with diverse needs uniquely qualifies me for this role.”

During her tenure on the city council, Letz worked with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and elected officials on local issues. She cited improvements to healthcare access, daycare and housing as primary accomplishments.

“I’ve collaborated with citizens and community leaders on a number of complex issues during my time on the council,” Letz said. “We’ve improved access to health care and daycare, supported the creation of a wider variety of housing options, and ensured a more wildfire resilient future – challenges that face all communities and residents in Deschutes County.”

Letz noted that her previous work on the council serves as a model for her approach to county government.

“I’m very proud to point to these successes as examples of my commitment to finding common ground and creative solutions,” Letz said.

She also highlighted her background in land management as a tool for future decision-making. “I will bring my experience in planning and technical land use decisions to create informed and realistic solutions to real problems affecting the residents of Deschutes County,” she said.

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Spencer Sacks

La Pine, Ore. (KTVZ) — A cannabis shop in La Pine has earned significant recognition from La Pine Parks and Recreation, receiving the prestigious Silver Partner award for their support of the “Music in the Pines” event.

The accolade, which includes a $2,500 cash prize, highlights the community’s appreciation for H.D. Botanical’s contributions.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday night, the Redmond City Council approved the purchase of a new Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle—known as ARFF—for Redmond Municipal Airport. The city will buy the Oshkosh Striker 6×6 from Hughes Fire Equipment for $1,555,515 through a Sourcewell cooperative purchase agreement. 

The Striker 6×6 is a high-powered fire truck designed specifically for airports. It is built to respond quickly to aircraft emergencies, such as fires on the runway or engine problems during landing. The vehicle carries thousands of gallons of water and several hundred gallons of foam used to smother jet fuel fires, and it can also spray dry chemicals for electrical or fuel-based fires that water cannot extinguish. 

“ARFF One, is our main vehicle. It’s about ten years old and still operating fine,” Redmond Airport Director Zackary Bass said. “ARFF Two. It’s 31 years old. It is a workhorse—it’s been great, but we’re starting to see more and more maintenance issues occur. So we need to replace that with a newer vehicle.” 

Bass said the airport operates two firefighting vehicles to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements, that commercial airports have ARFF units available 24 hours a day with a three-minute response time to incidents on the airfield.  

An older vehicle, ARFF 2 was purchased in 1996 and is now far beyond its reliable service life, making replacement parts difficult to find and increasing the risk of noncompliance with FAA safety standards.  

The Oshkosh Striker 6×6 includes six all-driving wheels for strong traction and quick movement over rough terrain such as gravel or grass near runways. The truck features a specialized suspension system for stability at high speeds, a Snozzle extendable arm that allows water or foam to be sprayed directly into aircraft, thermal imaging cameras to locate hot spots through smoke, and a reinforced cab that seats up to five firefighters. 

Funding for the new vehicle will come entirely from local airport funds as part of Redmond Airport’s capital needs plan, and no budget adjustment is required because of shifting project timelines.  

The city is receiving a discount of about $16,000 by paying upon completion rather than delivery, and airport reserves are still projected to remain strong after the purchase.  

Bass said the replacement for ARFF 2 is already in production and expected to be on the ground and operational within three months. 

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KGW

Written by Katherine Cook & KGW:

PORTLAND, Oregon — After a yearslong federal lawsuit, the Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation. Federal officials sued the live entertainment giant two years ago, alleging it held a monopoly over the live entertainment industry.

But some states, including Oregon and Washington, said they will continue fighting the company in court, noting the settlement was not only unexpected but also does not go far enough to protect consumers. “For too long, Live Nation has used a monopoly to drive up ticket prices, squeeze out competition and make it harder for everyday Oregonians to see the artists they love,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “Oregonians deserve a fair marketplace. We will continue to support the coalition of states committed to holding Live Nation accountable, protecting consumers and restoring real competition to the music industry.”

When the DOJ, under the Biden administration, filed the antitrust lawsuit in 2024, officials said they hoped to restore competition to the market, in part by separating Live Nation from Ticketmaster.

“Live Nation often sacrifices profits it could earn as a venue owner by letting its venues sit empty,” then-U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said at the time. “Rather than opening them to artists who do not use Live Nation promotion services, even during peak concert season.”

Under the proposed settlement, Live Nation would divest from at least 13 amphitheaters nationwide. The company would also have to allow a mix of ticket vendors at some venues and pay a $280 million fine. For a company that reported about $25 billion in sales in 2025, some critics say that amount is too small.

“That’s a drop in the bucket,” said Portland attorney Robert Parker Jr.

Parker filed his own lawsuit against Live Nation in 2023 on behalf of his client, We Are Live Entertainment, but withdrew the suit after federal officials filed their case several months later. He said Live Nation cost his client’s artists millions of dollars and argued that states that recently settled with the company handed the ticket giant a win.

“What should have probably happened in terms of divestiture was clearly not significant enough,” Parker said. “Maybe the remaining states that are not signing off will be able to extract some further concessions in their particular geographical regions of the country.”

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John Carroll

John Carroll took the weather show on the road and stopped by to say hello to the students at High Desert Christian Academy in Prineville. The student are in the middle of their “Weather Unit” and were very curious about how television weather forecasting is different from other types of forecasting jobs.

Great questions about tornadoes, dust devils, and wildfires with “fire-nadoes” in the blazes.

John Carroll enjoys speaking to area schools and is alway willing to find room on his schedule for a visit. Contact him at john.carroll@ktvz.com and schedule a time for John at your school.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Housing and Community Services said Tuesday continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes, including a 75-unit project near Redmond Airport. 

The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland, including the Mountain View Community Village planned for Deschutes County-owned land north of Oasis Village.

The project planned by Mountain View Community Development also received a $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank late last year.

According to the project summary presented to the state council, “Mountain View Community Village is a 75-unit development with 68 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and seven units of market-rate housing on 9.48 acres of land in Redmond. “

“The project consists of single-story, stand-alone cottage-style homes designed to foster privacy, space and dignity. Each cottage will include design elements that reduce stress and support stability, including private entries, durable and easy to maintain finishes, clear wayfinding and noise-reducing features.

“In addition to dedicated onsite office space for PSH services staff, the development also includes a flexible community/event space for voluntary activities such as tenant meetings, community-building events, or group workshops.

“Laundry services, green space, community gardens, and dog runs are centrally located, with additional flex space for social gatherings. Picnic tables and additional seating areas have been placed with meandering walkways throughout the development to encourage small gatherings amongst sub-communities and reduce social isolation. OHCS funds will not be used for the market-rate units.”

“Solving the affordability crisis Oregonians are facing demands that we address housing supply,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “In all corners of the state, we need to be united in delivering solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.”

According to OHCS: “These developments reflect a broad spectrum of housing types, from manufactured homes and cottage-style units to multifamily apartments, demonstrating the critical need for diverse housing options across Oregon.” 

They added, “Investing in homes of all shapes and sizes addresses the state’s housing affordability challenges, especially in rural communities where local housing needs require local solutions. The awarded projects also offer a range of service levels, including permanent supportive housing and culturally specific services, ensuring Oregonians can access housing that truly meets their needs.”

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.

More details about each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Right now, Bend native Anna Soens is in Milan-Cortina representing Team USA and Central Oregon at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Over the weekend, Soens competed in the alpine downhill event but crashed early in her run and was unable to finish.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the experience, writing in part:

“I came to Cortina with exactly zero downhill training or experience and I was super unsure I would even try it… I’m proud that I pushed out.”

Even with a DNF (Did not finish), Soens’ positivity didn’t waver, a trait she’s developed through years of challenges.

Ten years ago, Soens was climbing at an indoor rock gym when she fell and broke her back. Since then, she has fought to get her life back.

“I think adaptive skiing is one of the most free adaptive sports available to us,” Soens said. “You know, the lift access brings you up, and then with it being a gravity sport, we’re kind of on an even playing field with able-bodied skiers, so we can rip around just like anybody else. So that was really empowering.”

Her recovery journey started at Oregon Adaptive Sports in Bend, where she not only began reclaiming her life but also found a strong community and even met her future husband.

“I first learned to ski with Oregon Adaptive Sports and then, it is something to reclaim my life and identity and get me moving, get outside,” she said. “Part of the reason why I moved to Bend was because of OAS, and because of the community that I have through OAS. I met my husband, he was an instructor at OAS when I was still learning to ski.”

In 2018, Soens became the first paraplegic woman to climb Mount Hood, a goal she had set alongside her father.

“Once I healed a bit and started considering what was possible, I recruited a ton of friends and I didn’t care whether I got dog-sledded up the mountain or whether it was under my own power, but I wanted to stand on the summit with my dad,” Soens said. “And so we did.”

On Monday, Soens placed an impressive fourth in the alpine Super-G. Unfortunately, she did not finish her alpine combined race today.

She’ll be back on the slopes for the giant slalom on Thursday and the slalom on Saturday.

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