Category: ktvz-local-news

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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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce the upcoming grand opening of its new Redmond ReStore, located at 2744 NW 7th Street.

The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 AM, in partnership with the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, and will include a ribbon cutting and tours of the new facility, the organization said in a news release Tuesday that continues in full below: 

The Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials, and more, all at affordable prices. Proceeds from the ReStore directly support Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope across Central Oregon. 

“The ReStore is more than a store; it’s a way for everyone in the community to make a difference,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. “When people shop, donate, or volunteer at the ReStore, they’re helping to build a better Central Oregon, one home at a time.” 

The new Redmond ReStore provides a sustainable shopping option that keeps usable materials out of landfills while helping fund Habitat’s homeownership program. Community members are encouraged to attend the grand opening celebration to learn more about the ReStore’s mission and impact. 

This reopening also marks a meaningful milestone for Bend-Redmond Habitat. A previous Redmond ReStore operated before the 2019 merger of the Bend Area and Redmond Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

In 2020, the organization made the difficult decision to close the Redmond store due to an unsustainable lease and location. Reopening the ReStore has been part of Bend-Redmond Habitat’s capital campaign commitment, and the organization is thrilled to once again provide this valuable resource to the Redmond community. 

About Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity At Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home – a safe, stable, and healthy environment where families can thrive and communities can flourish. Since 1989, we have served more than 250 families with affordable homeownership and revitalized 145 homes, transforming the lives of more than 1,100 children and adults across Central Oregon. 

Learn more at bendredmondhabitat.org 

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Comments from participants)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The application window opens Thursday for grants from the Bend Sustainability Fund, a Visit Bend project that has reinvested more than $3.3 million in lodging taxes into local community projects since its start in 2021.

On Wednesday, city leaders toured several grant recipients to see the impact first-hand.

“We wanted to create this sustainable river access site that shows that quality access and quality habitat can happen side by side,” said Ian Issacson, a landscape architect with the Bend Park and Recreation District.

The Miller’s Landing Access and Restoration Project was a past recipient. It is designed to make the river more accessible to people of all mobility levels.

““We wanted again to provide as many folks in the community, as many options as possible to get in and out of the river,” Issacson said. “So the dry ramp, the wet ramp and the roller launch are all just three different variations of giving people those options to get in and out of the water.”

The grant program also supported Dogwood at the Pine Shed, helping the business relocate and restore its historic building. The bar and lounge have become part of efforts to revitalize Bend’s Central District.

Zavier Borja, director of destination stewardship for Visit Bend, said, “The purpose of this tour is to help highlight a lot of those organizations that are leading and doing that work. And for us, playing our part in ensuring that we’re taking care of this place, you know, that we all love.”

Visit Bend says around $500,000 in grant funds will be available this year.

“So we may have an ask for $1 million, or an ask for $500,000. We have that discussion through the advisory council, to decide how much is given for each organization,” Borja explained.

Visit Bend is seeking projects built to last at least 10 years or longer. Projects should be shovel-ready, with plans to serve a large number of visitors.

The application window runs through January 16.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Dry Canyon Arts Association is among 91 cultural organizations to receive a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust, which awarded a record $4.15 million statewide this year. This first-time recipient will receive $34,000 to support the remodel of a new community art center in downtown Redmond. 

“Art and culture thrive in every corner of Oregon, and the Oregon Cultural Trust is proud to support this essential work in communities large and small,” said Sean Andries, Cultural Trust board chair. “We invite all Oregonians to take advantage of our unique cultural tax credit and help ensure a steady, reliable endowment for culture both now and for generations to come.” 

The Cultural Trust’s competitive grants, which saw 44 percent of eligible applicants receiving an award, ranged from $5,000 to $40,000. These Cultural Development Program grants fund projects that increase access to culture, support community creativity and preserve local heritage. 

About the Dry Canyon Arts Association Award 

For years, the rapidly growing city of Redmond (pop. 40,000) had no dedicated art center or gallery, despite a vibrant community of artists and an evident need. The Dry Canyon Arts Association held the long-term dream of a physical space to serve its 200 members and the wider public. 

That dream is now a reality, thanks to a $34,000 Trust Development Grant supporting the renovation of a large downtown space into the Dry Canyon Community Art Center. KTVZ News first reported on the grant in late September.

“$34,000 is such a vote of confidence in what we’re doing!” said Beth Hanson, secretary for the Dry Canyon Arts Association. 

This grant award is covering about a third of the $100,000 remodel budget for what will be the area’s only community art center. The excitement is palpable as the project nears completion. 

The new center, set to open in phases starting this December, will be a gathering place and creative hub. The first phase features a large 2,000-square-foot gallery space where local artists can display and sell everything from paintings to pottery.

Critically, the center will also feature space for hands-on instruction, fulfilling the community’s biggest need for classroom space. It will host the association’s JumpStart program, which brought art education to 3,000 elementary children this year, and will foster social connections and learning among all ages.

The Dry Canyon Arts Center is finally providing a permanent home to celebrate the arts in Redmond. 

“The greater community is so looking forward to it! There is just an excitement that is re-energizing downtime. I’m thrilled for all these local artists to have a place to show their work,” Hanson said. 

About the Oregon Cultural Trust 

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust was established as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities across the state. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct more of the taxes they pay to supporting cultural opportunities for all. Oregon is the only state in the country that gives its citizens this choice. Fifty-eight percent of the money goes directly to cultural organizations and agencies in the form of grants. The remaining 42 percent helps grow a permanent fund for culture. The Trust’s three grant programs fund five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development grants. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org. 

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Earlier this year, Deschutes County amended its outdoor lighting ordinance to reduce light pollution and protect Central Oregon’s night skies while maintaining public safety.

The updated rules take effect Dec. 23 for all new outdoor light installations in unincorporated areas of the county. Property owners with existing outdoor lights installed and working before that date will have until December 2028 to comply.

After receiving feedback from two advisory panels and holding multiple public hearings, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the outdoor lighting ordinance during its Sept. 24 meeting.

Changes include:

Using guidance from DarkSky International to promote safe, responsible lighting.

Updating terminology, which includes “downcast,” “light trespass,” “fully shielded” and “string lights.”

Setting three primary requirements for non-exempt fixtures:

Lights must be downcast.

Fixtures must be fully shielded.

Light trespass is prohibited.

Clarifying existing exemptions and adding others. For example: the updated ordinance clarifies that holiday lighting is allowed from the day after Thanksgiving through Jan. 15 each year.

Learn more about the County’s outdoor lighting ordinance by listening to the Inside Deschutes County podcast or visiting the Community Development Department website.

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