Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. {KTVZ} — With the federal government officially reopened, most travel operations are returning to normal — though some passengers flying through Redmond Municipal Airport are still experiencing slight delays.

Airport Director Zachary Bass says while the shutdown briefly impacted staffing and scheduling, disruptions have been minimal.

“So far, the airport itself and, the flights, departures and arrivals have not been affected much. We’ve seen 1 or 2 cancellations randomly over the last week or so. And we’ve had a great crew with TSA and our ATC controllers. So very minimum impact that we’ve seen so far,” Bass said.

Travelers on Wednesday shared similar experiences, saying their flights were only slightly affected.

“So the delay happened. We were actually boarding, and the pilot came out of his cockpit and stopped everybody from boarding and said, hey, we’re going to turn you around so you don’t have to sit on the plane for next hour and a half. And, so he sent everybody out. We all went back into the terminal and, waited until the ground stuff was cleared,” one traveler said.

“Going to San Diego, it took a while. And in Portland, we got delayed very slightly in Portland, but I had no cancellations and no serious delays. It is smooth as silk.” another added.

Airport officials recommend travelers continue checking flight times before heading to the airport, as schedules are expected to fully stabilize in the coming days.

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Triton Notary

(Update: Adding video)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ)– Bend-La Pine Schools has announced its participation in the 2025 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, hosting a commemorative celebration and curricular field trip for students at La Pine Elementary and Rosland Elementary. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 14 at 9:15 a.m., taking place in the La Pine Parks & Recreation District Gymnasium at 16405 First Street in La Pine. Families and community members are invited to join the celebration.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is observed annually on November 14, the date marking Ruby Bridges’ historic integration of William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. The day honors her pivotal role in advancing civil rights and serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of equality, justice, and education for all children.

The program aims to bring together students, families, and community members to celebrate Ruby Bridges’ courage while promoting safe, healthy, and active transportation to school. Across the country, communities participate to recognize her legacy and inspire future generations.

This event is a partnership with Safe Routes to School, an initiative designed to make it safer and easier for students to walk, bike, or roll to school. A grant from Safe Routes Partnership is making the local event possible at no cost to participating families or schools.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Staff members and supporters gathered outside Central Oregon Community College on Wednesday, demanding higher wages and better financial security as contract negotiations continue between the college and the Oregon Education Association.

Union representatives say one in four COCC staff members struggles with food insecurity, and eight out of ten report having no emergency savings. Protesters outside the college’s Bend campus held signs and chanted during a board meeting, calling for what they describe as an end to “poverty pay.”

In a statement, COCC said it remains engaged in good-faith negotiations with the union and is committed to reaching a fair contract agreement. The college emphasized the need to balance its responsibility for employees with its long-term financial stability.

No strike has been declared, and both parties say they are continuing to communicate and exchange proposals. Negotiations are ongoing.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — New data released Wednesday by the Oregon Health Authority show that when air quality worsens across the state, more Oregonians end up in emergency rooms and urgent care for breathing problems and mental health concerns.

The findings come from OHA’s newly updated Air Quality & Health Outcomes data dashboard, which tracks health trends across Oregon. The numbers show clear spikes in visits for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety and other stress-related symptoms on days with high levels of pollution or wildfire smoke.

“Oregon’s near-real-time data show us what we’ve long suspected — that poor air quality affects not just our lungs, but also our mental well-being,” said Jen Seamans, who manages OHA’s Data and Epidemiology Unit. “This insight helps local health partners and hospitals prepare for the health impacts of smoke and other air pollution events as they happen.”

During the 2020 wildfires, statewide visits for asthma-like illnesses jumped about 25% compared to the previous month. In the Portland tri-county area, emergency visits for respiratory issues in 2022 were sharply higher than before the pandemic — up 44% in Washington County, 35% in Clackamas County and 7% in Multnomah County.

The data also highlight disparities. Hispanic and Latino Oregonians saw roughly a 30% increase in asthma-related visits during major smoke events, compared with about 22% for other populations.

On days when air quality is poor, emergency and urgent care visits tied to anxiety and stress go up statewide, OHA said. The agency’s analysis links exposure to wildfire smoke with higher reports of stress and mental health symptoms among adults.

OHA said it’s using this information to help local health departments plan for resource surges during pollution events, target public health alerts to at-risk groups, and support broader climate resilience planning that includes health equity.

The dashboard draws on data from Oregon’s Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) and the National Syndromic Surveillance Program. Numbers are updated weekly, providing what OHA calls a “timely picture” of how environmental conditions affect health.

Officials emphasize that while the data show strong correlations between poor air quality and increased health visits, they don’t prove direct cause and effect. Other factors — such as care-seeking patterns or reporting delays — may play a role.

OHA plans to expand its monitoring in future updates, adding more years of data, new health measures such as hospitalizations, and broader pollutant analyses.

The dashboard and related materials are available at the Oregon Environmental Public Health Tracking website.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Family Access Network received a multi-year grant of $50,000 for the next three years, totaling $150,000 in support of rural FAN families.

These funds will be utilized in the communities of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Sunriver, Terrebonne, Tumalo, and Jefferson County to ensure children have access to the basic need resources necessary to arrive in the classroom prepared to learn.

Rural families face increased challenges, now more than ever, including higher gas prices, limited access to childcare, and the need to travel long distances for grocery stores and other essential food resources. This grant will assist in alleviating the high burden placed on our rural families.

“The Roundhouse Foundation has shown up for FAN and the rural community of Central Oregon for a long time,” said Julie Lyche, FAN’s Executive Director, “and this year we were blown away by their commitment to ensuring rural families have what they need as they face growing obstacles from the cost of transportation to food insecurity. We can’t say thank you enough.”

The Roundhouse Foundation champions creative solutions to the unique challenges and opportunities of living in rural Oregon. Rooted in the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, the Foundation invests in art, environmental stewardship, education, and community leadership.

Through generous support, Roundhouse empowers organizations that foster connection, innovation, and sustainability across Sisters, rural Oregon, and select international communities. Since 2002, Roundhouse’s work has reflected a deep passion for enriching lives, nurturing leadership in youth, and celebrating creativity.

Unique to Central Oregon, FAN began in 1993 and currently employs 28 advocates at 66 sites in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. These advocates work tirelessly to help families break the cycle of poverty. The direct placement of FAN advocates within schools allows FAN to effectively reach and connect children and families in need to essential resources to thrive.

To learn more about the Family Access Network, please visit familyaccessnetwork.org or call (541) 693-5675.

Family Access Network’s mission is to offer assistance, possibility and hope to Central Oregon families in need by connecting them with crucial resources that will help children flourish in school and in life. Every year, FAN advocates improve the lives of over 7,800 children and family members in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Madras Police Department announced that Code Enforcement Officers Duane Ledford and Aija Elder were formally sworn in Wednesday under a newly established Code Enforcement Officer Oath of Office.

“This is the first time the Madras Police Department has administered an oath specific to code enforcement, marking an important step in strengthening the city’s commitment to public safety, accountability, and community livability,” the city said in a news release that continues below:

While the authority for code enforcement officers to investigate violations and issue citations has long existed within the Madras Municipal Code, the city has historically emphasized education and voluntary compliance.

Administering this oath helps formalize the responsibilities of the role and reinforces the department’s intent to utilize the full scope of available tools when addressing ongoing or unresolved violations that impact the safety, appearance, and quality of life in Madras.

“Code enforcement plays a vital role in maintaining safe, healthy, and attractive neighborhoods,” said Interim Police Chief Garrison. “This step ensures our officers have both the clarity and the authority they need to support residents, uphold our standards, and help keep Madras a community we can all be proud of.”

Aligned With Council Strategic Goals

Formalizing the code enforcement role directly supports several priorities identified in the City Council’s adopted 2025–26 Strategic Goals and Annual Plan, including:

Goal #1 – Public Safety• Strengthen the Code Enforcement Team and Process• Identify Measurable Outcomes for Reducing Code Violations• Identify and Track Distressed Properties• Create a Plan to Bring Distressed Properties within Code• Provide Quarterly Reports to Council on Open and Closed Cases

Goal #3 – Increase Livability/Beautification of Madras• Increase Community Involvement in Cleanup & Beautification Projects• Develop Anti-Vandalism Strategies for Public Spaces• Promote a community that is filled with beauty and provides the amenities our community desires

By administering this oath and formalizing citation authority, the City of Madras and Madras Police Department are taking a clear and practical step toward advancing these Council goals and supporting safe, clean, and welcoming neighborhoods.

Commitment to Fair, Respectful, Community-Focused Enforcement

Officers Ledford and Elder have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the community with fairness, respect, and integrity. While voluntary compliance remains the department’s preferred approach, the ability to issue citations ensures the team can take necessary action when health, safety, or livability are impacted.

How to Report Concerns

Residents who observe potential ordinance violations, such as nuisance issues, distressed properties, abandoned vehicles, or other code-related concerns, are encouraged to use the City’s online Code Enforcement Complaint Form:

https://www.madras.gov/commdev/page/code-enforcement-complaint-form

Submitting concerns online ensures they are documented, tracked, and assigned for follow-up, improving responsiveness and transparency.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools is excited to announce its participation in the 2025 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day with a commemorative celebration and curricular field trip for La Pine Elementary and Rosland Elementary students. The community is invited to attend. 

The program brings together students, families, and community members to celebrate Ruby Bridges’ courage and promote safe, healthy, and active transportation to school.

What: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

When: Friday, November 14, 2025

9:15 a.m.

Where: La Pine Parks & Recreation District Gymnasium

16405 First Street, La Pine

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is celebrated annually on November 14, the day Ruby Bridges bravely integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.

This day honors Ruby’s historic role in advancing civil rights and serves as a reminder of the importance of equality, justice, and education for all children. Communities across the country participate in this event to recognize her courage and to inspire future generations to continue her legacy.

The event is in partnership with Safe Routes to School, a program that helps make it safer and easier for students to walk, bike, or roll to school. A grant received from Safe Routes Partnership has made this event possible at no cost to families or schools.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A union newly representing Central Oregon Community College classified staff called a protest Wednesday at the school’s board meeting, accusing COCC of “hoarding reserves” and severely underpaying the workers with what they called “poverty wages.”

The Oregon Education Association said in a news release to KTVZ News that COCC educators, students and community allies will join in the protest late Wednesday afternoon at the Boyle Education Center.

They claimed one in four COCC classified staff now faces food insecurity and that the low wages have “displaced educators from wealthy Bend’s community college.”

COCC President Greg Pereira provided a response to KTVZ News before Wednesday’s board meeting, saying they cannot comment on specifics as contract negotiations continue, but are “committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement.”

Here’s the rest of the OEA news release and the full response from COCC’s president:

“Central Oregon Community College has amassed excessive reserves and is projecting higher state revenues while classified staff remain underpaid,” the OEA said. “Classified educators at the college are taking action with support of their students, launching a public campaign that calls on the college to stop hoarding reserves and redirect available funds to provide living wages that support quality education and student success.”

“Despite Bend being one of the wealthiest towns in Oregon, classified educators at the community college serving Bend are being paid poverty wages so extreme they have forced community college educators out of the communities in which they teach. Now, educators, students, and community allies are fighting back, and demanding an end to poverty wages for all educators at COCC. 

“Linda Rodrigues, a long-time custodian at COCC says, “This is not just about me. When classified workers are living paycheck to paycheck, students suffer. Clean, safe classrooms matter for learning; when custodial staff are exhausted, understaffed, or forced to take second jobs, student health and learning environments decline. I often have only $138–$150 left after bills until the next payday. I’ve had to rely on a church member for groceries. I can’t access SNAP and my autoimmune condition limits what I can eat from food banks. These hardships make it impossible to consistently do my best work for students. One job should be enough. Funding living wages is an investment in clean classrooms, student safety, and uninterrupted support — all essential to quality education.”

“Historically, classified staff at COCC have been represented by their own independent union, but in response to increasing frustration with poor treatment at the hands of College management, just weeks ago, they voted unanimously to join the Oregon Association Education, the powerhouse statewide union representing 42,000 public educators in k-12 and college levels across Oregon.

“Now, they’re negotiating their first ever union contract with the power of both the second-largest union in the state, and the largest international union in America, NEA, behind them. COCC educators said that being part of that larger power was a core reason why they voted unanimously to join OEA this Fall.

“Liz Patterson, a Data Specialist at COCC says, “We joined OEA because doing so gives us strength in numbers. That’s why we’re showing up at the Board tonight — united with faculty, students, and community — to demand living wages for the workers that make this college run. COCC needs to invest in people or prepare for a movement that won’t be ignored.”

“A survey of all COCC classified educators in April of this year found that 1 out of 4 COCC classified educators experience food insecurity; 8 out of 10 report having no money in any emergency fund of any kind, leaving hundreds one to two pay checks away from homelessness. 

“Classified educators perform vital work on the Central Oregon Community College campus, including counseling students, custodial work, technology support, and performing specialized resourcing and support to help ensure every student thrives. Now, their students will be supporting them, as they fight to ensure no community college educators in the region experience homelessness or food insecurity due to systemic poverty wages at the wealthy college.”

 Statement to KTVZ News from COCC President Greg Pereira:

“Central Oregon Community College deeply values the contributions of all our classified staff. These employees are essential to our students’ success and to the daily operations of the College.

“The College is currently engaged in good-faith negotiations with the Classified Association toward a first contract under their new affiliation with the Oregon Education Association. Out of respect for the bargaining process and all involved, we are unable to comment on specific proposals.

“COCC remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement that balances our responsibility to employees with our obligation to maintain the College’s long-term financial stability and serve students across Central Oregon.

“We appreciate the dedication of our classified staff and the vital role they play in supporting our mission,” Pereira concluded.

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Spencer Sacks

(Adding vote total from House of Representatives Vote)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 42 days, the longest government shutdown is over and the government will be reopening.

This comes after the Senate passed a continuing resolution over the weekend. Its has led to some controversy as some Democrats say that it doesn’t do anything to address extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.

The House members are back in D.C., and after two hours of debate, they’ve voted to reopen the government. By a vote of 222-209 with 6 Democrats voting yea and 2 Republicans voting no.

After several long weeks, the Senate passed a bill funding the Government through January 20th.

Most notably left out of the agreement was a decision on the expiring “Affordable Care Act” tax credits, also known as Obamacare. 

Earlier today KTVZ spoke with both Oregon Senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as fifth district Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, who were vocal about this controversial deal.

Senator Wyden told KTVZ News, “I said it at the outset. I wouldn’t support a bill that fails to lower health costs for Oregonians.”

“It’s really important to stand together, against kind of the tyranny that Trump is imposing on the nation. That was undercut by the eight folks, who struck this side deal,” Senator Merkley told KTVZ News. “The Senate held together for 40 days. But, I wish we could have held together longer.”

Rep. Bynum told KTVZ News “Republicans control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House, and some would argue they control the Judiciary. It is really important for everybody to recognize that if Republicans wanted to deal with health care, they would have. They have not and I think that tells you all that you need to know.”

All three Democrats that KTVZ spoke to today said they hope that when the temporary funding runs out in January, we will not go back into another shutdown.

KTVZ has reached out to Representative Cliff Bentz and will be speaking to him tomorrow.

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