Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School Board is inviting students, families, staff and community members to participate in a series of listening sessions to provide input on the potential appointment of Dr. Joel Hoff, currently serving as interim superintendent, to permanent role.

“These sessions are an important opportunity for stakeholders to share perspectives, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the Board,” the school district said in Wednesday’s announcement.

The listening sessions, organized by stakeholder group, are set for these dates and times: 

Administrators/Confidential Staff: Wednesday, February 11 at 4:00 PM 

Students: Thursday, February 12 at 11:00 AM 

Certified Staff: Tuesday, February 17 at 4:30 PM 

Parent & Community: Wednesday, February 18 at 6:00 PM 

Classified Staff: Monday, February 23 at 4:30 PM 

Parent & Community: Tuesday, February 24 at 6:00 PM 

Spanish-Speaking Families: Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 PM 

How to participate: 

All adult sessions will be held at the CCSD office, and anyone is welcome to attend. These sessions will be public meetings, and Zoom participation will be available. If you would like to RSVP, you can do so at the links listed below, but it is not required. 

English RSVP to attend listening sessions (optional) 

Spanish RSVP to attend listening sessions (optional) 

All input gathered through the survey and listening sessions will be summarized and presented to the school board at its March meeting.

“The Board is committed to a transparent, inclusive process to ensure that community voices inform the decision regarding the permanent Superintendent appointment,” the school district said. “The Crook County School District encourages everyone to participate and make their voices heard.”

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The U.S. faces a projected deficit of 6 million skilled workers by 2032 in fields such as health care, construction and manufacturing, according to the Association for Career & Technical Education. Central Oregon Community College is focusing on efforts to help meet that need.

To help shine a spotlight on the diverse career paths provided by technical education programs — from firefighters and foresters to chefs and web developers — as well as to express the high demand for skilled workers, Central Oregon Community College is taking part in National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month throughout February, COCC officials said Thursday.

Here are the details COCC provided in a news release:

In addition to social media campaigns, promotional pieces and other advocacy efforts, the college is sending a group of COCC students, faculty and staff to Salem to participate in the state’s Feb. 18 CTE event at the Capitol, where community colleges from across Oregon are sharing CTE-focused demonstrations and program information.

COCC is also holding a Manufacturing and Trades Job Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Redmond campus’s Technology Education Center, to connect job-seekers with employers and help with career exploration. This is a free, drop-in event for the community. For more information, visit cocc.edu and search for “jobfest.”

CTE commonly refers to technical, hands-on, high-skill training programs that come with a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree.

COCC has over 25 CTE programs available, all designed to provide technical skills in specific areas. Presently, more than 27% of COCC’s students are declared CTE majors.

“Career and technical education paths are relatively short-term, while leading to well-paying occupations,” said Julie Downing, instructional dean at COCC. “Graduates from our programs find their passion and bring real strength to their community.”

Those who concentrate on CTE educations beginning in high school are more likely than their peers to be employed full time and have higher median annual earnings eight years beyond graduation, according to the Association for Career & Technical Education.

Recent investments in CTE educations at COCC include a $2.18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to develop new short-term certificates in manufacturing technology, as well as the expansion of the college’s Madras campus, now bringing four on-site CTE programs, in health care and early childhood education, to that location.

Visit cocc.edu/programs to learn more about CTE options at COCC.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thousands of Central Oregonians soon will receive letters in the mail to inform them of a data breach at TriZetto Provider Solutions last fall that may have exposed the personal health information of more than 700,000 people around the country.

TPS is a third-party contractor that provides insurance-eligibility verification services to health care providers, including Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS), Best Care, and the La Pine Community Health Center (LCHC), the organizations said in a joint news release Thursday. 

They stressed that the data breach occurred only in TriZetto’s environment and did not involve or compromise any Deschutes County, Best Care, or La Pine Community Health Center systems.

Here are the details

What happened?

In October, TriZetto Provider Solutions discovered suspicious activity in one of its web portals. Upon discovering the issue, TPS launched an investigation and took steps to eliminate the threat.

Experts determined that, starting in November 2024, an unauthorized actor began accessing historical eligibility reports stored on the TPS system. The affected reports contain information about health insurance eligibility transactions, including certain protected health information (PHI) of patients and primary policyholders.

TPS reports that the threat was eliminated on Oct. 2, but may have exposed the PHI of more than 700,000 people.

DCHS, LCHC and Best Care were notified about the data breach on Dec. 10. Since then, staff from all three agencies have been working diligently to verify which clients/patients may have been impacted by the incident.

What data was exposed?

Data exposed during this breach varies, but may include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, health insurer name, health insurance member numbers and provider names. The incident did not include any medical diagnosis or treatment information, nor did it include any payment card or bank account information.

What are DCHS, LCHC and Best Care doing?

TriZetto Provider Solutions informed DCHS, LCHC and Best Care that it plans to notify exposed clients/patients about the breach in February. However, because confidentiality, privacy, and security of personal health information are among the highest priorities for all three agencies, and to avoid any further delay in offering protections, DCHS, LCHC and Best Care are sending their own notifications.

LCHC will notify approximately 1,200 of its patients, DCHS will notify approximately 1,300 clients/patients, and Best Care will notify approximately 1,650 clients/patients that their protected health information was exposed during the breach. 

It is important to note that while client PHI was accessed, there is no evidence at this time that it has been misused.  

Additionally, each agency is offering exposed clients/patients identity theft protection through a data breach and recovery services contractor, IDX. The free identity protection services include 12 months of credit and CyberScan monitoring, a $1 million insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed identity theft recovery services.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shaniko Wool Company, located in the small town of Shaniko, Oregon, just north of Antelope, has been honored once again with an Olympics spotlight.

The company recently provided wool to be used in Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Opening Ceremony sweaters for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This is the fourth time in the past decade that the company’s wool has been used in Team USA gear.

Shaniko Wool Company, established in 1871, was the first in the world to receive Responsible Wool Standard certification.

On Friday, February 6th during Downtown Bend’s First Friday, a celebration of Shaniko Wool Company is taking place at Wool Town Bend (115 NW Minnesota Avenue).

The event will feature an educational display about Shaniko Wool Company, a large selection of locally produced yarn (including two custom patriotic colorways), and a rare in-person viewing of the Olympic sweater made with Shaniko wool.

Click here to learn more about Shaniko Wool Company.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dog owners, this one’s for you! There’s a new business in town that’s focused on fitness for your furry friend.

Bend Barks & Rec, a locally-owned mobile dog fitness service proudly based in Bend, was created to support dogs and their people through safe, structured, and convenient exercise–regardless of weather, schedules, or physical limitations.

It brings a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled mobile dog gym directly to clients’ homes or workplaces, offering customized 30-minute fitness sessions using non-motorized slatmills designed specifically for dogs.

You can learn more at bendbarksandrec.com.

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Triton Notary

CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon State University is already recognized as one of the finest higher education institutions in the country. Now, it can also claim to be number one in robot deliveries. The Starship company has provided robot delivery service on college campuses for several years, and OSU’s Corvallis students have made their campus the top location for the robots. Last year alone, there were 265,000 deliveries at OSU, and since the program launched there have been 1.2 million orders. The robots boast a 97% approval rating, with many students saying they “love” them. Starship remains the leader in autonomous delivery robots, now serving more than 60 campuses nationwide.

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two Jefferson County deputies didn’t hesitate to plunge into freezing, dangerously thin ice Wednesday evening, breaking through the pond to save two teenage girls who had fallen through at the Madras fairgrounds.

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Jefferson County Fire & EMS arrived within minutes to find the two girls, ages 15 and 16, trapped in the frigid water near the north end of the pond. Rescuers encountered hazardous conditions, including ice that was only 1.5 to two inches thick.

The teenagers were part of a group hanging out at the fairgrounds around 5 p.m. when they decided to walk onto the ice. The thin surface quickly cracked, causing the pair to plunge into the freezing water. Their friends called 911 for help as the two girls reported experiencing extreme cold and exhaustion.

Deputies CJ Linden and Charles Hatcher arrived at the pond within minutes and began breaking through the ice to reach the teens. Sergeant Ben Toops then entered the water with rescue equipment to complete the rescue. Body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office shows the deputies pulling the two girls to safety using a bodyboard and rope. Sheriff Jason Pollock was also on the scene and actively helping in the rescue.

Although trained in water rescue, the deputies were wearing their standard uniforms during the incident, which made the physical task of breaking the ice more difficult. Deputy Linden noted that the depth and conditions were unknown when they first arrived. “Yeah, it was a lot deeper than we anticipated. We didn’t know how thick the ice was. We don’t know how cold the water is,” Linden said.

Both juveniles were treated at the scene for symptoms of hypothermia and transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further care. The deputies involved in the rescue sustained minor injuries while breaking through the ice, but tell KTVZ News they are fine.

Youth Fishing Pond, where two teens were rescued from beneath the ice. Courtesy: Jefferson County.

Linden, who also serves as a school resource officer, recognized one of the girls he helped save. He later visited the hospital to check on their recovery. “They recognized me from being in the schools, and I talked with them and just chatted with them and let them know that, you know, I was glad that they were okay and to not play on the ice anymore,” Linden said.

Local emergency officials are warning the public to stay off all frozen ponds, lakes, and waterways. They cautioned that ice thickness can change quickly and become dangerously unstable during fluctuating winter temperatures.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, who was also on the scene and actively participated in the heroic rescue, praised the coordinated response from the various agencies involved and credited their quick teamwork with saving the teens.

Deputy Hatcher said the rescue reflects the department’s commitment to the town. “This department is a family, and this community is our family,” Hatcher said.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend said Wednesday they are extending their weekday hours to 7:30 p.m. to provide a safe space for teens.

Teens ages 13+ and enrolled in school will be able to access Club facilities and programming at no cost, starting Monday, February 2nd. Teen-only programming and activities will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will include access to a music space, basketball court, arts and crafts, games room, and a gaming area. 

The rest of the organization’s news release continues below: 

BGCB Downtown Program Director Erin Liebe said of the program changes, “The addition of teen programming allows us to intentionally support teens during an important stage of their lives. It gives them a space where they can build relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and build confidence – while strengthening our Clubs and the community as a whole.” 

On Tuesdays, BGCB will offer health and wellness support for teens 14-18 with active Club memberships from 5:30pm-7:00 p.m., led by the Club’s certified clinical social worker, Devan Richards. 

Richards said, “The goal of this group is to provide a welcoming, community-oriented space for teens to develop skills, reflect on topics relevant to their lived experiences, and engage in some creative, mindful activities with other teens at Club in a setting focused on centering youth voices, thoughts, and feelings.” 

Families can sign up for teen programming by visiting https://bit.ly/BGCBteens, logging into the My Club Hub Portal, choosing “membership applications,” then “25/26 Downtown Teen Nights Membership,” and following the prompted directions. Space is limited and first come first served. 

The addition of teens-only time and programming will offer much-needed support for the youth of Bend, creating a safe space for teens to socialize, learn, create, and receive support. This initiative will support BGCB’s goal of serving more youth, more often, with deeper impact. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. 

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting Monday, legislators from across Oregon will gather in Salem for a 35-day “short session” sprint to tackle some of the state’s most pressing issues, from transportation funding to a deepening budget crisis and rising housing costs.

The Oregon Legislature enters the session needing to fill a more than an $800 million budget hole. The gap stems in part from cuts in federal spending following the passage of what’s known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which reduced funding for a range of state programs, including health care.

“All of that combined to a very challenging budget environment for the state of Oregon. Heading into the short session, we are going to need to balance the budget and to do so responsibly.” Speaker of the House and State Representative Julie Fahey said.

“Right now, too many families are struggling,” said House Minority Leader and State Rep. Lucetta Elmer. “Costs keep rising, systems feel broken, and too often state government responds by asking for more money without delivering better results.”

In addition to closing the budget gap, lawmakers will face a renewed debate over transportation funding. A petition signed by more than 200,000 Oregonians, referring the last session’s gas tax and vehicle fee hikes to voters, has reignited discussion about how the state funds ODOT.

That conversation is expected to add more pressure to an already packed session.

At a legislative preview fore reporters on Wednesday, livestreamed on KTVZ+, state Senate President Rob Wagner said lawmakers will be moving quickly to address several high-priority items early in the session.

“We know that one of the big items that we’re going to be moving quickly on, is moving the election date, so that we can focus on what comes next,” Wagner said.

Senator Bruce Starr said voters are sending a clear message about spending.

“The message from voters could not be clearer: Stop reaching deeper into their pockets and start taking responsibility for how existing dollars are spent,” Starr said.

With major fiscal and infrastructure decisions ahead, lawmakers will have little time to spare before the session wraps up by the constitutional deadline of early March.

KTVZ News will continue to bring you updates from Salem as debates and proposals move forward.

News release from Gov. Tina Kotek:

Governor Kotek Outlines Legislative Priorities

Salem, OR — Today, Governor Tina Kotek outlined her priorities for the 2026 legislative session, focusing on policies that can make life more affordable for working families, grow the economy and increase job creation, protect vulnerable Oregonians from federal funding cuts, and defend Oregon communities amid federal uncertainty and aggressive immigration enforcement.

Facing a constrained budget and continued disruption from Washington, D.C., Governor Kotek emphasized steady, responsible governance and targeted investments that deliver tangible results. Governor Kotek will support legislative efforts to respond to federal overreach and has introduced three bills that aim to grow Oregon’s economy, build more affordable housing for seniors, and strengthen the behavioral health workforce.

“I’m focused on putting Oregon’s future first,” Governor Kotek said. “Even in a tough budget year, we must protect core services, expand affordable housing, strengthen our workforce, and grow a competitive economy. And as the Trump administration creates chaos, I will work with lawmakers to protect our communities, our civil liberties, and the people who call Oregon home.”

Governor Kotek’s legislative priorities include:

Creating More Affordable Housing Options (House Bill 4082)

House Bill 4082 speeds up the development of affordable housing for seniors and manufactured home communities by allowing limited urban growth boundary expansions. By focusing on lower cost manufactured housing, the bill will help cities add hundreds of affordable homes, ease pressure on the broader housing market, and support renters and homelessness solutions statewide.

Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers (House Bill 4083)

House Bill 4083 removes barriers that keep qualified mental health and addiction professionals from providing care. The bill would streamline credentialing, reduce administrative burdens, and expand supervision pathways to help more providers enter and stay in the workforce – ensuring Oregonians can access care faster. This legislation is a recommendation from the Behavioral Health Talent Council, chaired by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson.

Prosperity Roadmap Package (House Bill 4084)

To get started on the Oregon’s Prosperity Roadmap, House Bill 4084 supports job creation and economic growth by fast-tracking permits for major projects, preparing shovel-ready industrial sites, and modernizing business incentives. The goals of the bill are to make it easier for businesses to invest and expand in Oregon, strengthening regional economies and creating good-paying jobs statewide.

News release from Oregon House Republicans:

Oregon House Republicans Outline 2026 Legislative Priorities

SALEM, Ore. — Today, Oregon House Republicans announced their top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on affordability, public safety and education.

“Oregon families are feeling the impact of rising costs and a state government that keeps asking for more of their money without delivering results. House Republicans are listening to Oregonians and putting forward policies to help ease their financial burden, protect businesses, and grow our economy,” said House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville).

“While Democrats are signaling that their top priority for the short session is combating the federal administration, our focus remains where it belongs: delivering real solutions, protectingconstitutional guardrails, and ensuring public trust for the people of Oregon.”

Affordability

House Bill 4051: Creates a program for deferred loans to first-time home buyers, allowing them to get their foot in the door without being overburdened by closing costs.

House Bill 4129: Caps Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program – eliminating an extra 22-cent per gallon tax at the pump.

House Bill 4109: Repeals Oregon’s first-in the-nation law allowing striking workers to receiveunemployment insurance.

Public Safety

House Bill 4151: Increases the penalty for swatting, or making a false police report in an attempt to get police to respond, from a misdemeanor to a felony.

House Bill 4045: Requires communications companies doing business in Oregon to respond to search warrants within 72 hours when the underlying crime involves stalking or domestic violence.

Education

House Bill 4133: Allows Oregon access to additional tax credits for education and expands Workforce Pell Grants so that students and their families can choose a learning environment that best serves their needs.

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Barney Lerten

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire Wednesday morning destroyed a shop at Crooked River Ranch, but firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to a nearby home.

The fire was reported around 11:15 a.m., and the first crews to arrive found the 20-by-30-foot shop engulfed in flames, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Sean Hartley said.

As a result, firefighters staged defensive operations and used water tenders in an area that lacks fire hydrants, Hartley said.

The crews had the fire under control in about 20 minutes, but were on the scene for about two hours for overhaul work and to make sure the fire was fully out.

Several callers to 911 reported the shop fire, with the first indicating no people or animals were trapped.

No injuries were reported and no animals were endangered, the fire chief said. The shop owners were home at the time of the fire.

Hartley said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The department’s response included three engines, two water tenders, a medic unit and a support unit. A total of 17 personnel were called to the scene, including eight career firefighters and nine volunteers.

Several othere fire departments and agencies provided mutual aid, including Redmond Fire & Rescue, the Cloverdale Fire District, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Despite their efforts, the building and its contents suffered a total loss, with no immediate estimate on the value or the damages.

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