Category: ktvz-local-news

Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced legislation to extend funding for the Secure Rural Schools program for three years. Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch joined as co-sponsors of the bipartisan bill after program funding expired yesterday, Sept. 30, 2026.

The proposed legislation seeks a three-year extension of the program while clarifying congressional intent for funding distribution to Oregon counties containing Bureau of Land Management lands. The program provides federal revenue to rural counties to support public education, infrastructure maintenance, environmental restoration and emergency services.

U.S. Sen. Wyden, D-Oregon, co-authored the original Secure Rural Schools law in 2000. Since its enactment, the program has delivered nearly $4 billion to Oregon counties. Wyden emphasized the need to move past temporary reauthorizations. “Secure Rural Schools is a lifeline for rural Oregon,” Wyden said. “I’ll be working as hard as I can to get this bill across the finish line, but the well-being of rural America shouldn’t be dependent on Congress getting its act together to renew this funding every few years. It’s past time to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and deliver a permanent funding solution.”

U.S. Sen. Merkley, D-Oregon, detailed the municipal and safety services supported by the federal program. “The SRS program provides crucial payments that are a lifeline for rural communities here in Oregon and across America—keeping schools open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds and providing funding for police officers and firefighters to keep families safe,” Merkley said. “A three-year extension of the program and these common-sense updates are critical to ensuring the federal government upholds its promise to our communities and that local governments can reliably access these important resources.”

Funding for the Secure Rural Schools program previously lapsed in September 2023 before Congress restored funding two years later in September 2025. That multiyear interruption deprived rural counties across the nation of funding for local public schools, law enforcement agencies and infrastructure projects.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest and nonprofit Discover Your Northwest will host “Batacular,” an educational event featuring bat-focused activities, games and crafts, on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Bend, Ore.

The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and marks the start of Bat Week, an annual international campaign designed to raise awareness for bat conservation.

The event will take place at the Deschutes National Forest headquarters at 63095 Deschutes Market Road in Bend. Admission is free and open to the public, with Halloween costumes encouraged for attendees.

Bat Week is an annual international initiative supported by multiple conservation and government organizations, including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bat Conservation International, the Organization for Bat Conservation, The Save Lucy Campaign and Wildlife Acoustics.

Discover Your Northwest is a Seattle-based 501(c)(three) nonprofit organization founded in 1974. The group funds educational programs and public land initiatives across Oregon, Wash., northern California, Idaho and Montana.

Bat Week will run internationally from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College faculty members are planning a rally Thursday as contract negotiations enter their final days before a potential strike.

Members of the COCC Faculty Forum will gather at noon Thursday, October 1, at the Coats Campus Center on the COCC campus in Bend. Faculty members, students and community supporters are expected to attend.

The rally comes ahead of the next state-mediated bargaining session, scheduled for Friday, October 2. If an agreement is not reached, faculty say they will begin a strike at 8 a.m. Monday, October 5.

The faculty union says 98% of members participated in a strike authorization vote, with 96% voting in favor of a strike. The union says it remains focused on reaching an agreement and has extended an offer through 2 p.m. Friday that it says could prevent a strike.

“We have an urgency around this because we want to settle a fair contract as soon as possible and avert a strike,” said Mindy Williams, COCC Faculty Forum bargaining chair. “Unfortunately, the college has not shared that same urgency. We need decision-makers at the bargaining table who are prepared to have the affordability conversation and work toward a resolution.”

According to the union, the proposals currently on the table could be funded without program cuts, personnel cuts or unplanned tuition increases.

Faculty members are also calling for direct discussions with college leaders about financial forecasts and previous projections of deficits that they say have not come to fruition.

“COCC is a public institution with a commitment to serve today’s students and community. We should be having an honest conversation about what is actually affordable and how the college’s resources can best serve students and employees,” said Sara Henson, president of the COCC Faculty Forum.

Faculty leaders say there is still time to reach an agreement and avoid a strike, but they are calling on college administrators to move quickly.

Rally Details

What: COCCFF Last Chance Rally and PicketWhen: Thursday, October 1 at noonWhere: Coats Campus Center, COCC CampusAddress: 2600 NW College Way, Bend, Oregon 97703

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the Redmond Police Department, drones helped officers locate and arrest two theft suspects Tuesday morning following a burglary at a farm supply store in Redmond.

Officers responded around 5:30 a.m. to Coastal Farm and Ranch Supply at 3141 S. Highway 97 after a community member called 911. Officials say the caller reported that a man and a woman were leaving the property heading east with wheelbarrows full of stolen items.

Redmond Police say responding officers established a perimeter and launched drones after the suspects fled east on foot and on stolen motorcycles into an undeveloped area east of the 2000 block of NW 6th St.

An officer caught the male suspect following a brief foot pursuit. Police drones then spotted the female suspect hiding in brush after she abandoned a stolen motorcycle, allowing officers to make the arrest.

Police recovered more than $3,000 in stolen property during the response. Both suspects were booked into the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

The 41-year-old male suspect, a Redmond resident, was charged with burglary, theft, criminal trespass, possession of burglary tools, resisting arrest, three counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and an outstanding warrant.

The 32-year-old female suspect, also from Redmond, was charged with burglary, theft, criminal trespass, and three counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

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Kelsey Merison

CRESCENT, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening next, firefighters plan to conduct a prescribed burn Thursday, October 1st, about nine miles southwest of Crescent.

The Deschutes National Forest says up to 42 acres could be burned, if conditions are favorable.

Ignitions are expected to begin around Noon. No road or trail closures are expected, but smoke will be visible from highways 58 and 97.

Smoke could impact Highway 58 between mile markers 80 and 84, especially overnight and in the early morning.

Residents near the burn area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to limit smoke inside their homes.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening next, COCC’s ‘Fall JobFest’ is kicking off in Bend Thursday, October 1st.

The event is open to everyone and takes place at the Coats Campus Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You’ll get to meet employers spanning a wide variety of fields, such as healthcare, technology, trades, and more. You also get the chance to do on-the-spot interviews! Who knows, you could even leave with a job offer. 

‘JobFest’ events continue in Redmond on October 6th, Madras on October 14th, and Prineville on October 21st. 

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — As college students return to campuses across Oregon, state officials are reminding them they may qualify for SNAP food benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services says student eligibility rules can be complicated, and students shouldn’t assume they don’t qualify.

Some exemptions include working at least 20 hours a week, participating in work-study, receiving unemployment or TANF benefits, or caring for a young child.

Benefits Navigators are also available at Oregon’s public colleges and universities to help students find resources.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Officers with the Bend Police Department are inviting the community to grab a cup of coffee and chat.

National Coffee with a Cop Day is next Wednesday, October 7th.

Officers will be at Junction Roastery and Social Club on Ninth Street in Bend from 9-10:30 a.m.

The event is open to the public and gives residents a chance to meet local officers and ask questions.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 24 long and rewarding years of serving the community of Bend, Fire Captain Preston Prosser is hanging up the uniform in a celebratory fashion. 

Prosser is retiring after more than two decades as a first responder, working as a fire captain and advanced EMT.

Bend firefighters say he’s a beloved captain and team member, and that, “Today is a day in which Bend Fire will never be the same.”

Prosser was gifted a custom Bend Fire & Rescue surfboard to commemorate the good years.

From all of us here at KTVZ News, thank you for your years of dedication and service to our community!

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire on Sept. 26th, in La Pine, quickly bringing the flames under control. The fire broke out at approximately 7:22 a.m. at 52594 Railroad St., according to the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District.

All occupants evacuated safely before firefighters arrived and no civilian injuries or fatalities were reported. However, two residents were displaced by the fire and are making temporary housing arrangements following estimated damages between $5,000 and $7,000.

A total of 11 firefighters and command staff responded to the scene, utilizing three engines, one tender and two command units. Personnel from Sunriver Fire assisted with fire suppression operations. Upon arrival, crews initiated an interior attack and brought the smoke and flames under control.

The exact cause of the fire has not been officially determined and remains under investigation by officials. Fire personnel noted that the suspected cause is associated with a pellet stove or related heating equipment. Department officials credited rapid notification, early evacuation and a coordinated crew response with limiting damage to the structure.

Following the incident, the department issued a safety reminder for residents regarding heating appliances. Fire officials advised residents to ensure pellet stoves, wood-burning appliances and associated venting systems are properly installed, inspected and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Regular cleaning and inspection can significantly reduce the risk of home fires.

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