Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee are inviting communities across the state to nominate and celebrate heritage trees for 2026.

The call for nominations coincides with the start of Arbor Month in April, which the committee uses to promote the educational and historical value of Oregon’s most significant trees. Individuals and heritage groups are encouraged to submit trees with documented historic significance to the state.

Established in 1996, Ore. became the first state in the nation to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. Since its inception 30 years ago, the committee has designated 85 trees across 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties, with 79 of those trees still living today at various historic sites, public gardens and hiking trails.

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg said these designations offer a tangible link to the past. He encourages residents to visit state or local heritage trees to experience history firsthand. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens,” Hedberg said. “All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past. Enjoying these trees today connects us with our history.”

Several notable trees are already designated in the state, including the Big Tree at La Pine State Park. This tree is recognized as the largest circumference Ponderosa pine in the world. Other sites include the Williamson-Abbot Expedition Ponderosa, which marks a campsite for a government survey to bring the railroad west and the Huntington Wagon Road Junipers, which were blazed in 1864 along an ancient Native American trail.

The committee is specifically looking for nominations that reflect a more diverse range of Oregon’s history. Al Tocchini serves as the vice-chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee and noted that the group wants to highlight stories that have historically been overlooked. “In particular, we are seeking underrepresented stories of Oregon’s diverse populations in places that are accessible to the general public,” Tocchini said.

The Oregon Travel Information Council, a semi-independent state agency created in the 1970s, administers the program. While originally formed to manage highway logo signs following the Highway Beautification Act, the agency now also oversees the Oregon Historical Marker program and 39 rest areas at 25 locations throughout the state. These rest areas are open 24 hours a day and are free for public use.

Individuals, cities, tourism organizations and heritage groups can nominate trees with documented historical significance through the program’s website. The committee also provides an interactive map for the public to locate currently designated trees across various counties.

The nomination form is available at oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees. The committee will review these submissions as they prepare for the 2026 spotlight.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Community Development will host a public open house on April 7 to gather input for the update of the Terrebonne Community Plan. The event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Terrebonne Community School cafeteria, located at 1199 B Avenue in Terrebonne.

The open house serves as a primary opportunity for residents to help shape the document that guides growth and development in Terrebonne for the next 20 years. During the meeting, community members can share their priorities and discuss the future trajectory of the area with county officials.

The gathering is designed as a drop-in, family-friendly event. To accommodate residents attending with children, the county will provide snacks and a specific children’s activity during the two-hour window.

Participants can use the session to learn about current trends and existing conditions in Terrebonne. The information provided at the school is intended to help residents identify specific challenges and opportunities they believe should be addressed in the final planning document.

For community members who are unable to attend the school cafeteria meeting in person, a digital participation option is available. The county will host a mirrored version of the open house on its website to ensure broader community access to the planning process.

The online open house will be available from April 7 through April 30. Residents can participate and view project materials at www.deschutes.org/TCP.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Van Perry has joined the Family Access Network Board of Directors, bringing more than 30 years of global leadership experience to the Central Oregon nonprofit. Perry has a background in scaling organizations across multiple industries, including technology, real estate and the public sector.

The Family Access Network, which began in 1993, employs 28 advocates at 66 sites across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. These advocates work within schools to connect families in need with essential resources to help break the cycle of poverty.

The Family Access Network Foundation was established in 2006 to raise funds and increase community awareness for the organization’s work. Board members serve as a core part of the foundation’s fundraising strategy to support advocates working in Central Oregon schools.

Perry’s professional background includes leading international rebranding initiatives for Fortune 50 companies and directing Olympic marketing programs for global sponsors. He previously served as the president of two adventure travel companies that managed expeditions to locations ranging from Antarctica to the Sahara.

Earlier in his career, Perry held leadership roles in city government and real estate development. He has worked across diverse industries including financial services, technology, hospitality and the outdoor sector.

Julie Lyche serves as the executive director of the Family Access Network. Lyche noted that Perry’s background in building high-performing teams and his commitment to service would benefit the organization’s leadership. “Van’s breadth of experience and strong commitment to community service make him a valuable addition to our Board of Directors,” Lyche said.

Perry lives in Bend with his wife and two daughters. He earned a Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Virginia, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rimrock Trails launched a new program in Prineville to provide immediate behavioral health support for youth in Crook County. The Assessment and Resource Center (ARC) offers same-day assessments for young people and their families without the need for an appointment or referral.

The program is located at the Prineville Outpatient Clinic on Combs Flat Road and serves individuals ages 18 and under. It provides a low-barrier entry point for those facing emotional, behavioral health, or substance use challenges.

The center provides support for various needs, including behavioral health issues and situational challenges. In addition to assessments, the program offers skills groups. These groups focus on building coping strategies, communication and resilience.

Staffing for the center includes a dedicated care coordinator and a peer support worker. The peer support worker brings lived experience to the role to emphasize trust and understanding for families taking the first step toward care.

The program functions as a gateway to ongoing care and essential community resources. By providing immediate access, the center connects individuals to additional services based on their specific needs following the initial assessment.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Deschutes, Baker, and Umatilla counties through Executive Order 26-05. The declaration comes as forecasts suggest below-normal precipitation and streamflow conditions will likely continue through the summer.

This is the first drought declaration issued by Governor Kotek during the 2026 calendar year. The order directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region to mitigate impacts on local growers, livestock, and water supplies.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Baker County has experienced persistent moderate drought conditions since June 2025. Deschutes County has seen abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions since that same month. In Umatilla County, moderate and severe drought conditions have been persistent since May 2025. All three counties currently report well below-normal snowpack and drier-than-normal soil moisture.

Forecasts suggest that below-normal precipitation and streamflow conditions are likely to continue through the summer months. These projections follow an extended period of weather conditions that contributed to low snowpack and above-normal temperatures. Well below-normal streamflow forecasts are currently in place for all affected counties.

The drought is expected to have a significant economic impact on the farm, ranch, recreation, and tourism sectors. Natural resources, including drinking water and minimum flows for fish and wildlife, are also at risk. State officials expect the extreme conditions to shorten the growing season for local growers and increase the potential for wildfire.

The declaration unlocks several emergency tools, including assistance for local water users. It allows the Oregon Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules for those in the region. The move follows a recommendation from the state’s Water Supply Availability Committee pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes 536.740.

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Kelsey Merison

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY) is offering a training class on Saturday, April 11th, for residents interested in mentoring children with an incarcerated parent.

The orientation and training session is required for all volunteers before they are matched with a child. Participants must also pass background checks as part of the initial training process. The class is offered at no cost to the public, though advanced registration is required to attend.

Volunteers who complete the training must commit to a minimum of one year and spend a few hours each week with their matched child. The program pairs mentors with children who share similar interests. This time is used for various activities including community exploration, art or craft projects, or simply hanging out and talking.

The orientation and training session lasts 3.5 hours. The curriculum is designed to cover program policies, communication skills, and how to establish a successful mentor relationship. The class also provides information on the specific impact incarceration has on families.

Additional information regarding the COPY program is available on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office website. Individuals interested in the program can also obtain details by calling 541-388-6651 or emailing COPY@deschutes.org.

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The fifth annual Kiefer’s Magical Birthday Bash will return to Central Oregon on April 10th and April 11th, 2026. The two-day event, held at Wild Ride Brewing locations in Prineville and Redmond, brings the community together for mental health awareness and connection.

The celebration honors the life and legacy of Kiefer Leutschaft, a former Wild Ride Brewing employee who passed away in 2021 after battling mental illness. Proceeds from the gathering benefit the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund, a partnership with Rimrock Trails designed to reduce stigma, encourage conversations about addiction, and expand access to care.

The Leutschaft family of Redmond established the legacy fund following Kiefer’s death. Since its inception, the event has grown from a local remembrance into an annual gathering that encourages open conversations about recovery and well-being. The gathering also serves to empower individuals to seek mental health and addiction services.

Festivities begin Friday, April 10th, at the Prineville brewery with performances by the Scotty Wilson Band and Music Medicine. On Saturday, April 11th, the event moves to the Redmond location and features music from Countryfied. These musical performances are part of the free and family-friendly portion of the weekend.

Event organizers emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing mental health needs. “This event exemplifies just how much can be accomplished when people and organizations come together with a shared commitment to the mental health of our community,” organizers said. “Working together, the magic is kept alive.”

A ticketed VIP pre-party is also scheduled for April 11th in the Barrel Room at Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond. Running from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the party includes food, entertainment by DJ Chris, a silent auction and Kiefer-themed merchandise.

Money raised during the weekend supports the Rimrock Trails Client Financial Support Fund. Additionally, the event funds the Leutschaft Memorial Scholarships. The overall goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges while honoring Kiefer’s spirit through community engagement.

Tickets for the VIP pre-party are currently available online. Community members are encouraged to save the date and attend the festivities in Prineville and Redmond. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Tea and Art Lounge has opened in downtown Bend, offering a combination of local beverages and accessible art projects. The new business is located on Bond Street next to Deschutes Brewery.

The lounge specializes in “bite-sized” art projects designed to be completed in a short amount of time, such as a lunch break. The concept focuses on providing a calm environment where customers can enjoy tea while engaging in creative activities.

Sarah Swoffer, an art teacher and the owner of the Tea and Art Lounge, established the business to encourage relaxation through making art. “The tea and Art lounge is the comfy, cozy living room of Bend,” Swoffer said. “We want to create a place where people can come relax and enjoy the tea. And that is when we are our best and most creative selves.”

The facility includes an art studio located in the back of the building where staff provide art lessons. The space is also available for social gatherings, such as book clubs or group get-togethers.

In addition to daily projects and tea, the lounge offers high-tea services that can be booked in advance. The menu features local brews and a variety of baked goods.

The Tea and Art Lounge will participate in the city’s next First Friday event. The lounge will feature artwork created by local students during the celebration.

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Campbell Porter

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters will conduct a prescribed jackpot burn on the Crooked River National Grassland beginning Tuesday, March 31. The project will treat approximately 311 acres of land located four miles southeast of Madras.

The burn is situated within Pace Jackpot Burning Unit 3, near Buck Butte and east of Highway 26. Operations are scheduled to continue through Wednesday, April 1, provided that weather and ground conditions remain favorable for the project.

Smoke from the jackpot burning may be visible from Madras, Prineville and the Highway 26 corridor. Light smoke impacts are expected to affect Southeast Grizzly Road, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours when air typically settles into low-lying areas.

Prescribed burn warning signs will be placed in both directions along Grizzly Road and on Highway 26 near the project area. Motorists traveling through the vicinity are advised to reduce their speed, use their headlights and be prepared for changes in visibility.

Following the initial ignition, piles of debris may continue to smolder and produce smoke for several days. Firefighters will remain on the scene to monitor the piles until they are officially declared out. Officials have requested that the public does not report these ignitions.

The project is scheduled to finish on Wednesday, April 1. Fire crews will continue to monitor the 311-acre site until all burning piles are fully extinguished.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue is inviting Central Oregon high school students to apply for Camp Fire Axe, a four-day summer fire academy scheduled for June 2026. The program is designed for students ages 16 to 19 who are considering a career in the fire service.

Led by professional firefighters and paramedics, the academy allows participants to learn about fire response, CPR, trauma and first aid in a real academy setting. The annual program provides hands-on experience for students interested in emergency services careers.

The 2026 academy will run from June 18 through June 21. Daily sessions are scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bend Fire & Rescue Training Centre, located at 63377 NE Jamison St. in Bend.

Applications open Wednesday, April 1, at 7 a.m. and will remain open through May 1. Bend Fire & Rescue will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled.

Attendance is limited to 12 students to ensure personalised instruction throughout the four-day program. The fee for the academy is $250 per person, though scholarships are available through the application process.

Applications can be accessed at bendoregon.gov/camp-fire-axe starting at 7 a.m. on April 1.

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