Category: ktvz-local-news

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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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Horseshoe Tavern in downtown Prineville, is facing mounting troubles. Our media partner, the Prineville Review takes a deeper dive, here.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Labor Day weekend in Central Oregon usually means playgrounds full of children, parks full of people, and outdoor enjoyment for many as it marks the last long weekend before school starts. 

But this year, smoke from the Emigrant Fire has changed holiday plans, leaving many outdoor spaces much quieter than usual, and causing cancellation of a much-anticipated concert in the Old Mill on Friday. 

As of this weekend, the fire has grown to nearly 20,000 acres with zero percent containment.  While it’s not threatening homes, its smoke is making its way into Central Oregon, prompting air quality advisories in parts of Deschutes and Klamath counties.

The Oregon DEQ says our region’s geography can make smoke impacts unpredictable. KTVZ spoke with Jennifer Horton, air quality coordinator for Oregon DEQ, about smoke and its impacts in our region. 

“There are some river valleys in Central Oregon that can impact how smoke moves throughout the community. What we see a lot of times is smoke will be able to lift up and disperse during the day, but as temperatures cool overnight, a lot of times smoke is pulled back down those river drainages towards communities,” said Horton.

The concern comes from tiny smoke particles called PM 2.5 that can affect the lungs and heart. 

“As those smoke levels increase, the PM 2.5 levels also increase. It can create some health impacts for individuals, especially if you have any preexisting conditions. People who are elderly or very young and people who work outside need to be especially careful of monitoring the air quality levels and keeping an eye on that AQI (air quality index),” said Horton. 

To limit exposure, it is recommended you keep your windows closed at night, run air purifiers, and keep strenuous outdoor activity to a minimum. 

“Not having air conditioning does make it a bit harder to close those windows overnight. But if you’re able to, that is one of the best ways to keep smoke out of your home. If you have a portable air filtration device, make sure and run that,” recommended Horton.

Officials remind the community the best thing you can do is stay informed on conditions in your area.  This Labor Day, Central Oregon’s outdoors may not be as busy as usual, but experts say keeping safe until skies clear is the best way to enjoy the holiday. 

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Triton Notary

Meet the adorable and very outgoing Mango Jr. She is the most talkative cat we have ever had in the studio. Mango and a plethora of other pets will have their adoption fee’s waived this Saturday at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Head on down this weekend to meet the adorable Mango Jr.

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