Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, OR — This fall, the High Desert Museum’s popular Indigenous Speakers Series returns with three vibrant and inspiring programs. Featuring an array of Indigenous voices, the series highlights artists, storytellers, scholars and more who share their unique perspectives with the community.

On Tuesday, September 16, Alyce Sadongei (Kiowa/Tohono O’odham), a scholar, author, Indigenous leader and advocate, will dig deep into the history and future of Tribal cultural institutions in a talk titled “Transformational Paths for Indigenous Libraries, Archives and Museums.” A leader in the museum field for years, Sadongei was the first Native American director of the Smithsonian Institution’s American Indian Museum Studies Program. She laid the foundation for the current training opportunities available at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Throughout her career, Sadongei championed Tribal libraries, archives and museums, advocating for the preservation of oral history and the growth of Indigenous cultural organizations. As an author, her works span from Native American repatriation to collections care and community collaboration. Based in Arizona, Sadongei leads Mission Garden, a living agricultural museum, as its executive director. Her presentation includes a discussion on how a predominantly Western concept of a museum is being defined by Indigenous museum professionals. Tickets are $5-$20 with a 20% discount for Museum members and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/transform-paths.

On Friday, October 24, the Museum welcomes Nez Perce language expert, storyteller and educator Harry Slickpoo Jr. As the Collections Specialist for the Nez Perce Tribe Hitéemenwees Research Library, Slickpoo uses cultural items to support the continuation of living cultures and Native languages.

An advocate for nimiipuutimpt, the Nez Perce language and culture, Slickpoo works to preserve, share and support Nez Perce ways of life, earning him recognition as an educator and cultural leader. Today, the Nez Perce language is classified as critically endangered, with only a handful of fluent speakers. Learn more about Slickpoo’s work and the resilience of Nez Perce cultural traditions. Tickets are $5-$20, with a 20% discount for Museum members and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/past-forward.

Then, on Sunday, November 2, Dr. Michelle Jacob (Yakama), professor of Indigenous Studies and director of the Sapsik’ʷałá (Teacher) Education Program in the Department of Education Studies at the University of Oregon, will discuss the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous communities while offering inspiration for how we all can reimagine a more connected and compassionate world. Jacob is passionate about imagining and working toward a future in which kindness, fierceness and creativity saturate our lives and institutions. She emphasizes that while understanding Indigenous history is important, there are reasons to celebrate the contributions Native Americans are making today. Her work is grounded in Yakama traditions, which call on each of us to foster personal strength to build a more powerful and unified community.

The November program is in partnership with Central Oregon Community College and the Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series of the COCC Foundation. It will be hosted in Wille Hall at the Coats Campus Center of COCC in Bend, Oregon. Learn more about this special collaborative event at highdesertmuseum.org/indigenous-speakers-series.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is made possible by the Deschutes Cultural Coalition. For more information and to purchase tickets for Indigenous Speakers Series events, visit highdesertmuseum.org/indigenous-speakers-series.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Local nurses and healthcare workers recently teamed up to donate 1,000 pounds of food for The Giving Plate to support Central Oregon families in need.

From July 29th to August 12th, food was collected in the break room at St. Charles Bend. In just two short weeks, 1,000 pounds of canned goods, dry goods, toiletries and other necessities poured in.

Read the full press release below:

“Local nurses and healthcare workers donated nearly 1,000 pounds of food to Central Oregon families in August through a partnership with The Giving Plate. As the need for food assistance increases, frontline healthcare providers are stepping up to care for their community. 

“We’re not just your nurses, we’re your neighbors,” said Nichole Ryan, RN and an ONA leader at St. Charles Bend. “Every day, we see people struggling and we can’t stay on the sidelines. We’re committed to caring for our community whether you’re in the hospital or at home. This food drive is just another way we can give back.” 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents 1,200 registered nurses working at St. Charles Bend and St. Charles Home Health and Hospice. Nurses collected food in the break rooms at St. Charles Bend.

Since opening their community store in April 2024, the Giving Plate has seen individual visits in their grocery program go from 3,500 a month in 2023 to over 6,800 a month today. Their food levels have only increased by just over 20% since 2023 despite the 94% increase in those served, making food drives like this all the more impactful.

Local food banks like NeighborImpact reported record numbers of individuals seeking food assistance amid rising costs, increasing unemployment and federal cutbacks on food assistance. Looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)—part of H.R. 1, the so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—will only make it harder for Oregonians to put food on the table. 

“We know we can’t solve every problem. But there’s no better time to get involved. Many of our coworkers volunteer every month to collect and deliver donations in their neighborhood and lead regular food drives on their units,” said Ryan. “During this drive, several workers shared that they relied on donations or knew someone who had relied on donations in the past. Now they’re thrilled to be able to give back. Helping a neighbor in need is one of the most rewarding things you can do. If you’re able, please consider making a donation or volunteering. You won’t regret it.”

Nurses began collecting canned foods, dry goods, toiletries and other necessities in break rooms at St. Charles Bend July 29 using The Giving Plates green totes. Donations were picked up August 12. 

The Giving Plate is a 501(c)3 food pantry that has helped Central Oregon families and children struggling with food insecurity since 2010. Its mission is “feeding the hungry today with compassion and hospitality.” To learn more about The Giving Plate and the work it is doing to serve food-insecure families in Central Oregon, or to make a donation go to www.thegivingplate.org.”

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — September is National Suicide Prevention Month–aimed at raising awareness, spreading hope, and sparking meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is encouraging you to start a conversation and be the difference–and says that talking about suicide isn’t harmful, but silence is.

You can visit nami.org for a toolkit and crisis resources.

Also, at St. Charles in Redmond, the Suicide Grief Support Group meets once a month on the first Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. for those that have lost a loved one to suicide.

That takes place in the Sage and Juniper conference rooms.

Those interested in the support group meetings can contact Loren Petersen by phone or text at 541-977-5347, or Loren.Film@gmail.com

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As kids head back to school this week in Central Oregon, the Bend Police Department has an important reminder for motorists: school zones are active once again.

The department says there are three types of school zone signs in Bend:

-Signs that show the school zone is in effect all day

-Those that identify the school zone as in effect when children are present

-Those that have flashing lights to alert you that a school zone is in effect, typically before and after school and in some cases, on the lunch hour

The speed limit when a school zone is in effect is 20 mph.

BPD says in these first few weeks, children and families are still learning their routines and figuring out the area–and there will be an influx of vehicles, buses, kids on bikes, and kids walking in these areas.

You need to be alert and aware of your surroundings. Slow down and pay attention.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The group Bend Oregon Raider Nation, which watches games together and gives back to the community through highway cleanups and volunteering, held its annual Labor Day picnic at Sawyer Park in Bend.

This year, the group is watching games at UPP Liquids in the Box Factory in Bend. If you are interested in joining the group, head on over to their Facebook Page.

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KTVZ – News Team

The Central Oregon Labor Chapter held a picnic attended by dozens of union members and their families to celebrate the federal holiday and the historic labor movement. It was held at Alpenglow Park in Bend and featured food, live music, and speeches from labor leaders and elected officials.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

Bend, OR (KTVZ) — Chesterton Academy of Mater Dei is announcing the opening of Central Oregon’s first Catholic high school. Classes officially begin on September 3, 2025, marking a new chapter for families seeking a rigorous, faith-filled education in the region.

Located at 2450 NE 27th Street in Bend, Chesterton Academy of Mater Dei will offer students in grades 9–12 a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. The school’s mission is to form the whole student, mind, body, and soul, through classical learning, Catholic values, and a joyfulcommunity.

To celebrate its inaugural year, Chesterton Academy is offering an accessible tuition rate of just $2,400 for the first year. With small class sizes and a supportive environment, the school is committed to making atransformative education available to more families across Central Oregon.

“We are thrilled to open Chesterton Academy of Mater Dei this fall, the first Catholic high school in Central Oregon,” said John Cardwell, Headmaster. “What we are building is more than a school, it is a community where students are formed in intellect, character, and faith, preparing them not only for college and career, but for a life rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness.”

Enrollment is now open for Fall 2025. Parents and students are encouraged to schedule a tour or apply today.

For more information, call 719-761-0511 or visit www.chestertonmaterdei.org. Follow the school on social media at @MaterDeiBend for updates and events.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Labor Day, demonstrators gathered across the country to call for fair wages and greater support for workers over billionaires. In Central Oregon, protests took place in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. 

The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is one of the main organizers of the event. On their website, they posted the message: “In the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and the halls of Congress, working people are rising up, speaking out and fighting for an economy, a government and a country for the people—not the billionaires.”

KTVZ spoke with Cyndi Davis, volunteer with 50501 Central Oregon, at the Bend event.

“We are representing the workers of this country that have created our billionaires. And we think that it’s only fair and just that that money trickle down to the people actually doing the work,” said Davis.

Organizers say the event is about more than raising awareness, it’s about building community and giving people ways to take action. 

“There are a lot of people frustrated with what’s happening. This gives us an opportunity to come together and also to inspire other people to use their voice,” said Davis.

Protesters handed out information on letter-writing campaigns, local causes, and monthly demonstrations aimed at keeping the momentum going. 

“We always list local causes that are being impacted by what’s happening, how you can help, and we update that every month,” said Davis.

The hope of organizers and protesters is to see more people speaking up and to keep the conversation going beyond the holiday. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A funding package for the Oregon Department of Transportation passed the Oregon House of Representatives on Monday and now heads to the State Senate for a vote.

Oregon House Bill 3991, is a comprehensive transportation funding measure, introduced in the 2025 special session, that proposes to increase gasoline taxes, raise vehicle registration and titling fees, and double a payroll tax used for public transit. It also requires electric vehicle owners to pay new annual fees and makes other changes to transportation-related fees and taxes to fund road maintenance and operations. 

The package is part of a broader effort to modernize Oregon’s transportation funding system.

Public written testimony leaned heavily against the proposal. Through the Oregon Legislature’s website, more than 1,000 written comments were submitted, with over 940, opposed. Only about 2–3% of written testimony supported the bill.

Despite the pushback, some local leaders voiced support, including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler.

According to the letter below, Kebler supports the bill, seeing it as an urgent but temporary fix to protect city funding, transit, and road safety.

Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair told KTVZ News Sunday evening, she testified virtually earlier in the day to oppose the bill.

She acknowledged the importance of keeping roads like Government Camp and Santiam Pass accessible in the winter, but said she doesn’t believe raising the gas tax and other fees, which would be passed down to Oregonians, is the right move for Oregon. She added that this is the 4th highest taxed state in the nation.

“Government Camp and Santiam Pass must be accessible this winter,” Adair said.

Though members expressed concerns about the financial impact on Oregonians, ultimately the committee voted 7–5 to pass HB 3991.

Among the amendments added to HB 3991, include: 

The Act increases and adds taxes related to roads, cars, trucks, and buses, and says how revenue must be used.  

The Act would make the per-mile road usage charge mandatory over time.  

The Act would let a person pay a yearly fee instead of the per-mile road usage charge.  

The Act tells the Division of Audits to do performance audits of ODOT.  

Directs the Division of Audits to conduct performance audits of the Department of Transportation (ODOT).  

Alters the duties of the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Continuous Improvement Advisory Committee.  

Provides that the Governor shall appoint the Director of Transportation.  

Increases and adds transportation-related fees and taxes. 

Provides uses of revenues.  

Imposes a mandatory per-mile road usage charge for electric and hybrid vehicles.  

Allows an annual fee in lieu of the mandatory per-mile road usage charge.  

Repeals the mandatory toll program.  

Provides for diesel fuel to be taxed in the same manner as gasoline.  

Revises the formula for weight-mile taxes.  

Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment. 

Lawmakers emphasized they will continue to explore ways to reduce the burden on households as the bill advances.

Following the committee’s approval on Sunday, the amended transportation funding package (HB 3991) is scheduled for a vote by the full Oregon House of Representatives on Monday, September 1, 2025.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Labor Day weekend, smoky skies and air quality advisories in Central Oregon haven’t just been keeping people out of parks and trails  — they’re also keeping customers away from food trucks. 

Summer is typically the busiest time of year for Central Oregon food trucks, especially during holidays. But many vendors say as soon as the air quality takes a turn, so does their business. 

Stephan Lavigne, co-owner of On A Wing & A Crepe, spoke with KTVZ about the impacts on his business.

“It’s tough out here in the summertime. It’s the only time that the food trucks can really make that money. And sometimes it’s just like the smoke comes in, nobody wants to come in,” said Lavigne. 

Food truck businesses especially heavily rely on customers ordering take-out or delivery when air quality is poor. 

“We are lucky we get DoorDash orders, so that does help for people that want to stay home,” said Lavigne. 

While owners understand the health risks and want customers to take care of themselves first, times of poor air quality hit their businesses hard. 

“All food trucks need help all the time. I feel like we all just mom and pop businesses just trying to make a living, you know, pay the high rent in Bend, and enjoy a life out here as people do,” said Lavigne.

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