Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley postponed his town hall tour in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties this weekend.

The Senator told KTVZ News, “Because of a change in the U.S. Senate voting schedule, all town halls scheduled for Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 have been postponed. An updated event schedule and invitations will be shared in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned!”

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley announced Friday he will continue his town halls with in-person community conversations in Klamath and Lake counties on Friday, March 20, followed by conversations in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties on Saturday, March 21. 

The five events continue Merkley’s 2026 town hall tour of Oregon, where he will hold a community conversation in each of the state’s 36 counties. 

  “I’m looking forward to again visiting wonderful communities all over our state. By talking directly to folks in each county, my team and I can go to work for the interests and needs most important in each corner of our state,” Merkley said. 

 Since taking office in 2009, Senator Merkley’s office says he has kept his promise to hold an open town hall for each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year – more than 630 to date. 

Upcoming town hall conversations are as follows, with additional details to be sent to local media ahead of each event: 

Friday, March 20 

Klamath County Town Hall 

Time: 2:30 pm PT 

Location: OIT, College Union Building 

3201 Campus Dr, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 

(Park in Parking Lot A and follow signage to College Union) 

Lake County Town Hall 

Time: 6:30 pm PT 

Location: Lake County Courthouse 

513 Center St, Lakeview, OR 97630 

Saturday, March 21 

Deschutes County Town Hall 

Time: 11:00 am PT 

Location: Sisters High School 

1700 W McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters, OR 97759 

Crook County Town Hall 

Time: 2:00 pm PT 

Location: Barnes Butte Elementary School 

1875 NE Ironhorse Dr, Prineville, OR 97754 

Jefferson County Town Hall 

Time: 5:00 pm PT 

Location: Madras Performing Arts Center 

412 SE Buff St, Madras, OR 97741 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit, operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, announced Friday that it is expanding its curb-to-curb Dial-A-Ride service areas across the region starting March 30, to boost access to flexible transportation for residents.  

CET also said it will launch a pilot paratransit Dial-A-Ride service in Deschutes River Woods, starting May 4, bringing new transportation options to the community just south of Bend. 

According to COIC, the Dial-A-Ride expansion “significantly improves access to flexible, on-demand transit options in both rural and urban communities, particularly for seniors, people with disabilities, and residents living outside traditional fixed bus routes.” 

“Transportation is a lifeline for many residents in Central Oregon,” said Bob Townsend, transit director at CET. “This expansion helps ensure more people can reach health care, jobs, education and essential services, no matter where they live in the region.” 

Expanded Rural Dial-A-Ride

CET’s Rural Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb shared ride service available to the general public, with no application required. The program allows riders to schedule trips within designated service areas within their community and provides transportation for communities where fixed bus routes may not operate.  

With this service expansion, residents in Prineville, La Pine, Madras and Redmond will see significantly larger service areas and improved access to scheduled rides. The Dial-A-Ride fare rate is $4 per ride in rural areas. Eligible riders can schedule trips up to 30 days in advance.   

Bend Paratransit Dial-A-Ride

Bend Dial-A-Ride provides paratransit transportation service for community members who cannot utilize the fixed-route bus system due to physical or cognitive disabilities. The new pilot service area in Deschutes River Woods will launch May 4 with the goal of extending transportation access to residents who previously had limited mobility options.  

Riders must qualify for this service. Qualification information and applications can be found at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/policies/ride-assist or by contacting CET’s call center at 541-385-8680. Bend and Deschutes River Woods Paratransit Dial-A-Ride service is $4 per ride, with a $20 credit to riders who take 10+ trips in a month.  

Scheduling trips is easy, by calling the CET customer service center at 541-385-8680. Eligible riders can schedule trips between one and 14 days in advance for Bend paratransit. Updated service maps and eligibility information are available at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/dial-a-ride.  

“Expanding service helps more people stay connected to their community,” said Andrea Wasilew, Outreach and Engagement Administrator for Cascades East Transit. “We’re proud to offer riders greater independence and mobility through this service.” 

About Cascades East Transit Cascades East Transit is Central Oregon’s regional public transit provider, offering fixed-route buses, city connector routes, recreational shuttles, and Dial-a-Ride, and paratransit services. Service areas include Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties and the Warm Springs community. CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering courteous, safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life. Learn more at www.CascadesEastTransit.com. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Unionized classified staff at Central Oregon Community College launched a strike authorization vote Friday morning to protest what they describe as poverty-level wages. The workers, represented by the Oregon Education Association, indicated they are willing to walk out to secure higher pay.

OEA said in a news release that the strike authorization vote will be underway through next Thursday and is expected to pass.

If the authorization is approved, it could lead to the second community college strike in Oregon history, following a walkout at Portland Community College that began Wednesday.

A strike may be called at any time once a vote authorizes the action, provided the union gives a 10-day notice. Union officials indicated a walkout could begin as early as the first week of April.

The union says COCC is considered one of the wealthiest community colleges in the state.

However, they said, classified staff at the college currently earn a minimum wage of $18.91 per hour. According to the MIT living wage calculation for Bend, a living wage for a single person with no dependents is $26.81 per hour.

The union is seeking a contract that would increase the lowest wage to $27.89 per hour by the end of the agreement. OEA added that such a pay level “barely meets the living wage standards for their area.”

The classified workers declared an impasse in their contract talks ane mediation efforts last month.

That prompted COCC President Greg Pereira to tell KTVZ News in a statement that while the college is committed to reaching a “financially sustainable” agreement, it also “must balance compensation growth with long-term financial stability, in order to protect programs, services and tuition prices.

Union leadership highlighted a $4.5 million increase in the administrator salary pool since 2023 as evidence that the college can afford higher wages for staff.

Scott Dove, an academic technology specialist and president of the Classified Association of Central Oregon Community College, stated that the institution has the resources to meet these demands.

“By Central Oregon Community College’s own analysis, they have more than enough resources on hand right now to immediately avert this strike and meet our modest wage demands,” Dove said. “The reason they haven’t is not because they can’t, but because they don’t want to.

“We have members who are actively experiencing food insecurity and who struggle to stay at COCC because they cannot afford groceries and stable housing on the poverty wages COCC pays us. The COCC board has increased the administrator salary pool by over $4.5 million since 2023. We are asking that they make a similar investment in their classified staff.”

Classified staff roles at the college include counselors, administrative assistants, library assistants, custodians and food service workers. More than 90% of the classified staff have already completed strike preparation training with the union.

The Oregon Education Association represents more than 42,000 public educators across the state. The organization represents staff in various educational settings, from pre-kindergarten through community colleges.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor reopened to skiers and snowboarders Friday morning, one day after high winds prompted its closure, although more blustery and icy conditions had some lifts on hold. 

Officials said on Friday morning’s mountain report that the Cloudchaser, Skyler and Pine Marten lifts started the day on hold for de-icing. The Red Chair also was on hold for an assessment, while Outback remained closed alongside Northwest. 

Cloudchaser reopened at mid-morning, followed by the Pine Marten and Skyliner lifts.

The resort advised visitors that strong winds persisted. Mid-morning weather updates showed temperatures just below freezing and winds gusting to 55 mph at the summit, 47 mph at Pine Marten and 32 mph at Sunrise. 

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to high winds, Mt. Bachelor was forced to close on Thursday.

According to their website, operations ended at 10:00 am due to dangerous conditions, specifically lift operations.

You can watch a LIVE feed from the summit of the mountain as winds continue to impact operations.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Police release name, details of encounter)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police on Monday released the name of last week’s home invasion suspect and said he died after falling from the home’s second-story balcony during a struggle with the homeowner.

The suspect in has been identified as Zachary Dale Zamzow Douglas, 36, of Bend, police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

She said Douglas fell from the home’s second-floor balcony – at least 10 feet – during a struggle with the homeowner late Thursday night, then ran from the scene and died nearby. 

“Detectives are awaiting the results of an autopsy,” Miller said in a news release, adding that “no firearms were involved in this incident.”  

The homeowner victim was treated and released from St. Charles Bend.  

“The investigation indicates that this was a targeted incident, and any relationship between the suspect and victim remains part of that investigation,” Miller added.   

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-March 13 — A man died following a late Thursday night attempted home invasion at a residence on NW Braid Drive in Bend according to the Bend Police Department. Officers found the intruder with life-threatening injuries on a nearby golf course shortly after the suspect struggled with a resident.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on March 12th, 2026. The resident sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation and was transported from the scene by Bend Fire and Rescue for medical treatment.

The resident was inside the home when they reported that an unknown person attempted to force entry. A physical struggle ensued between the resident and the intruder before the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Officers arriving at the residence conducted a search of the surrounding area and located the intruder lying on a nearby golf course. Emergency medical personnel provided care at the scene, but the intruder did not survive.

Bend Police Detectives are currently leading the investigation. The identity of the intruder has not yet been determined and the specific cause of the fatal injuries has not been released.

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Kelsey Merison

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 49th season of the landmark Sunriver Music Festival will take place this year and at least one work by an American composer will commence every program this season.

The nonprofit festival presents orchestral performances and supports music education throughout Central Oregon. The upcoming spring and summer schedules highlight a commitment to American composers while maintaining traditional European classical repertoire.

Before the summer season begins, Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell will perform a solo piano recital titled “The Maestro at the Piano” on April 11th. Mitchell is formally designated on the Steinway Artist roster, a list of the world’s most accomplished and discriminating artists. The event includes a complimentary wine tasting from Willamette Valley Vineyards for all ticketholders, while VIP ticketholders are invited to a post-concert reception with the maestro. Tickets range from $50 to $90, with a discounted rate of $25 for those under age 25.

The festival also continues its 30-year tradition of supporting local students through the Young Artists Scholarship program. To date, the program has awarded nearly $750,000 to exceptional classical music students from throughout Central Oregon. Applications for advanced students ages 11 to 24 are due by May 1st. Community members can attend a free scholarship recital on June 5th in Sunriver to see the scholarship recipients perform.

Fundraising efforts for these scholarships and world-class concerts include the “Raise the Baton” party on July 18th. Hosted by Mitchell at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend, the event serves as the festival’s premier annual fundraiser. Tickets for the party go on sale April 1st.

The “America@250” summer lineup features several acclaimed soloists, including pianist Michelle Cann and bass-baritone Timothy Jones. They will be joined by violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark for performances at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre. The season marks the 49th year of the festival.

Mitchell explained the thematic focus of the upcoming season and its blend of contemporary and traditional works. “This summer, America celebrates a 250th anniversary and we’re so pleased to mark the occasion with at least one work by an American composer on every program this season,” Mitchell said. He noted the programs will include classics by Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber alongside works by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts and Grammy-winners Edgar Meyer and Joan Tower. “We’ll also of course bring to life so many of the great European classics we all know and love, including works by Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Bach, Mozart and Schumann,” Mitchell said.

Ticket sales for the summer festival open to the general public on June 1st. Members of the Friends of the Festival at the Conductor’s Guild tier may purchase tickets as early as April 1st. Full details and application information are available at sunrivermusic.org.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Breeze Airways launched new nonstop service from Redmond Municipal Airport to Las Vegas on March 13th, 2026. The airline is offering one-way fares for the new route starting at $69.

The service includes twice-weekly flights operating on Mondays and Fridays. In addition to the Las Vegas route, the carrier introduced “BreezeThru” service to Provo, Utah, which allows passengers to reach the destination with one stop and no change of aircraft.

The new flights to Las Vegas and Provo are scheduled to operate every Monday and Friday. The expansion is part of the airline’s model of connecting travelers in underserved markets to destinations nationwide through direct or streamlined flight paths.

Jeff Weber, chief people officer at Breeze Airways, highlighted the new travel options available to Central Oregon residents. “We are so excited to start our service from Redmond,” Weber said. “Guests can now enjoy the entertainment of Las Vegas or continue on to experience the beautiful mountains of Utah.”

Aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman founded Breeze Airways, which first began flying in May 2021. The carrier now operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes across 86 cities in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The airline uses a flagship fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Onboard amenities include high-speed WiFi, preferred seating options, and free family seating. The company also maintains policies that include no fees for flight changes or cancellations.

Travelers can book flights or find more information by visiting the Breeze Airways website or downloading the company’s mobile app.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — I scream, you scream, we all scream for FREE ice cream! Ben & Jerry’s will be giving away free scoops of ice cream at its retail locations again this year.

Free Cone Day is a time-honored tradition the founders started in 1979, the year after they established the company.

And you don’t have to worry about them running out of ice cream–Ben & Jerry’s says it wants to break a record of one million free cones.

The only bad news is you’re going to have to wait. Free Cone Day is slated for April 14th.

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Claire Elmer

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Back in 2024, KTVZ News introduced viewers to a Central Oregon baby facing extraordinary challenges. Now, as he celebrates his recent 2nd birthday, he’s exceeding all expectations.

Jackson was born with a rare brain disorder called hemimegalencephaly, a condition that affects only a handful of children worldwide each year. The disorder caused severe epilepsy for Jackson, triggering more than 200 seizures a day.

When medications failed to control the seizures, doctors determined there was only one option. At just three-and-a-half months old, Jackson underwent a complex operation in which surgeons removed half of his brain.

“We tried I believe it was seven or eight different medications, and none of those really seemed to mitigate the seizures,” said his mother, Kaitlyn Williamson. “So they met with the surgical team and decided disconnecting and removing the left hemisphere was really our only option for relief.”

Before the surgery, Jackson’s family was warned he might never walk, talk, or eat on his own. But today, he’s proving he can, and will, defy the odds.

“A day with Jackson is amazing,” said Brandy Ridgway, a direct support professional who works closely with him. “He can give you a high five, he’ll give you knuckles. He’s just an amazing little boy. The health care system doubted him on a lot of things, and he has just blown them all out of the water.”

Jackson now spends his days in therapy, playing, and spending time with his best friend.

“I was like, I don’t know if I like babies that much,” said Baylee Ridgway, Jackson’s best friend and Brandy’s daughter. “But then he gave me a hug and I was like, ‘Oh, I love this kid so much.’ And I’ve been going to work with her ever since.”

While Jackson has made remarkable progress, his journey isn’t over. He is now facing a new challenge: a gastrointestinal condition. His family is preparing for the possibility of a feeding tube as they search for specialists outside of Oregon.

Through it all, his mother says support from their medical team and community has helped them stay strong.

“Modern medicine has quite literally saved his life and given us the opportunities that we have today,” Williamson said. “We have a lot of really incredible people on our side, and they celebrate every—what they call inch-stones rather than milestones—every little thing he’s doing that we never thought was possible.”

As Jackson continues to grow, his family and care team say each new step forward is another reminder of how far he’s come, and how much hope his journey brings to others.

“Disability is nothing easy to go through, but you should still persevere through it, try your hardest, and look on the bright side of the world,” added Baylee.

To help with out-of-pocket medical costs and speciality care not available in Oregon, a fundraiser has been started to support Jackson and his family. You can visit the GoFundMe page for Jackson’s journey to learn more.

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Ember’s Wildflower Bunny Rescue is hosting an Easter event in April. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on on April 4th at its facility in Redmond.

The event features opportunities to meet adoptable rabbits, and the other friends they have on the farm, like pigs and goats. There will be photo ops, coffee, and face painting. They also offer private egg hunts by reservation.

The rescue was originally inspired by a single rabbit named Ember and has since grown to save approximately 400 rabbits during its se seven years of operation.

Founder Lindsey Provost said the rescue is committed to finding homes for the animals the right way.

“We really encourage doing research before adopting,” Provost said. “And one thing to consider is not all bunnies are a good fit for children. And we like to guarantee that the set ups are appropriate for bunnies before we adopt them out.”

The rescue is also organizing an upcoming Easter auction. The event will raffle off various items that have been donated by local businesses to support the facility’s mission.

If you are interested in their upcoming events, volunteering or donations, check out the website for Ember’s Wildflower Bunny Rescue.

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