Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 49th annual Sunriver Music Festival is scheduled to take place Aug. 10-20, 2026, in Bend and Sunriver. Artistic Director and Conductor Brett Mitchell curated the upcoming summer season to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The 2026 programming features works by American composers alongside classical favorites. The repertoire includes music by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, William Grant Still, Joan Tower, Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer and John Williams, as well as compositions by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schumann and Mendelssohn.

The summer festival is scheduled to open Aug. 10 at the historic Great Hall at Sunriver Resort. The Ten-day event will conclude Aug. 20 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. The program includes four classical concerts, a pops concert and a family concert.

Several featured artists will perform during the season, including pianist Michelle Cann and violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark. Other scheduled performers include bass-baritone Timothy Jones and the Central Oregon Mastersingers.

Before the summer festival, Artistic Director and Conductor Mitchell will perform a solo piano recital on April 11 in Sunriver. Mitchell, a Steinway Artist, maintains a YouTube channel where he shares original solo piano videos of film history cues and classical works. The recital will feature his original arrangements of iconic movie music.

Tickets for the April 11 recital are priced at $50 for adults and $25 for those 25 and under. A special VIP experience is available for $90, which includes the concert and an intimate post-performance reception with Mitchell. The reception will offer wine and light fare and only 40 VIP tickets are available for the event.

A broadcast of the 2025 Opening Night Classical Concert, titled “A French Soirée,” will air on KWAX on April 2.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is providing free tax filing assistance to young people and low-income residents through its Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. The initiative funds IRS-certified community organizations, Tribal governments and educators to help workers secure potential refunds.

The program specifically addresses the needs of young people in their first jobs or those working part-time who may be owed refunds for withheld taxes. Even if a young person is claimed as a dependent on a parent or guardian’s return, they must still file their own tax return to report their income. This filing does not interfere with exemptions claimed by parents or guardians.

Teachers at McKay High School in Salem trained approximately 12 students this school year to assist their peers with tax preparation. The student-led clinics used IRS-approved software to help participants prepare their own returns. The program utilized incentives, such as coffee gift cards, to encourage student participation. Marcia Latta, a teacher at McKay High School who facilitates the clinics, said one student received a $269 refund while a recent college graduates received nearly $1,200. “Most get money back. They’re so pleased,” Latta said. “I love that we provide this extra opportunity to our students to develop these skills and it’s great to see them get this money back.”

Oregon State University has also expanded its tax assistance reach through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Shelly Krehbiel, the program manager for extension and partner operations for OSU’s VITA program, said the student-led team trained about 90 university students this year. These students manage site operations, marketing and training for outreach teams in Corvallis, Bend and Eugene. Krehbiel said the program also partners with the South Eugene High School Finance Club to train 10 students as facilitators. “From the people they’ve helped there is such surprise. They say, “Oh, that was so easy.” When people walk into our locations, they look scared and anxious. They walk out smiling and relieved. It’s great to see,” Krehbiel said.

The current initiatives follow a 2023 ODHS pilot project that operated in nine high schools across Oregon. Students who participated in that pilot received state and federal tax refunds ranging from $95 to $1,246. The grant program continues to fund projects through both community organizations and educators to reach young people who may be earning income for the first time.

Free tax assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Individuals can access help online through GetYourRefund/OR, where they can choose to have a return prepared for them or file it themselves using free software. In-person assistance is available at sponsored sites in cities including Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Bend, Redmond, Corvallis, Eugene, Coos Bay, Roseburg, Medford, Monmouth, Independence, Ontario and Woodburn.

In-person tax return preparation will be available at ODHS-sponsored sites through Oct. 15. More information about the program can be found on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College will host its annual High School Math Contest on Thursday, April 16, at the Bend campus. This year’s event, themed “Math to the Future,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The competition was first held in 1978 and attracts more than 150 students from 13 schools across the region. Participants will travel from communities including Paisley, Mitchell and Sisters to compete in various challenges across the campus.

The theme pays homage to the 1985 film “Back to the Future” and its time-travel calculations. Math professors will dress in costume as characters like “Doc” Brown and Marty McFly and an original gull-wing DeLorean will be parked on campus for team photo opportunities.

The long-running competition includes various activities such as a relay race, a scavenger hunt and a game styled after “Name That Tune.” Students will compete for awards and prizes throughout the afternoon.

Jacquie Coe, department chair and associate math professor, said the event is designed to be engaging for students. “It’s a day of nonstop fun and games, with a celebration of math at the core,” Coe said. “Our department loves to share how wonderful math can be, helping inspire high schoolers for future math exploration.”

The event is sponsored by Lonza Pharma and Biotech. While the competition is open to students across the region, all participants must be preregistered to attend. Interested parties can contact Cinda DeVoe at 541-383-7289 or cdevoe4@cocc.edu for more information.

Central Oregon Community College provides resources for attendees with disabilities. Those requiring transportation or accommodations for physical or mobility disabilities can reach campus services at 541-383-7775. Individuals needing assistance for hearing impairments or other disabilities may contact student accessibility services at 541-383-7583 or sas@cocc.edu.

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Matthew Draxton

(UPDATE: Adding video and quotes from business owners)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend is bursting with creativity tonight as local students showcase their work during the Youth Art Takeover, part of April’s monthly First Friday Art Walk tradition. The event featured student-led art displays, live music, and performances throughout the downtown area.

The takeover gives Central Oregon’s next generation of creators a platform to share their talents while continuing Bend’s long-standing community art celebration.

Local Businesses Join the Showcase

Participating shops are marked by colorful balloons outside their entrances, guiding visitors to the student exhibits and professional art displays within. Many local businesses are combining the youth artwork with their own First Friday features and special activations.

Sarah Swartz, owner of Wildflowers of Oregon, said the event’s focus on student creativity resonates deeply with her.

“It’s fantastic. As artists here in our own shop, we both came up being artists and finding our way through, elementary, middle, and high school,” Swartz said. “It’s really great to support the early stages of artistry.”

Suzy Reininger of Leapin’ Lizards Toy Company shared that visitors have been eager to engage with the student creations.

“I’ve gone out and had conversations with people that are looking at it saying “how do I buy it’,” Reininger said. “I would love to give the feedback to the artists that they are really impressed with the work they’ve done.”

Music, Sunshine, and Celebration

The warmer weather is drawing big crowds to enjoy live performances, including sets from student bands, a rock group, and an 11-piece orchestra.

An awards ceremony recognizing standout student artists wrapping up an evening dedicated to celebrating young talent across Bend.

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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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