Category: ktvz-local-news

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — SELCO Community Credit Union recently awarded a total of $77,500 in scholarships to 21 students across Oregon, including two students from Bend.

The annual program aims to help students pursue higher education by addressing the rising cost of school and allowing funds to be used for various education-related expenses beyond tuition. The credit union provided 20 standard scholarships, valued at $3,500, and a single additional $7,500 ‘Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship’. Recipients were honored last week at a luncheon held at SELCO’s headquarters in Springfield.

SELCO started its scholarship program in 1991 as a component of its mission to help members reach their financial and educational goals. In the past three years alone, SELCO has awarded more than $230,000 to students. The scholarship program is part of the SELCO Steps Up philanthropy initiative. SELCO Community Credit Union was founded in 1936 by a group of teachers.

The scholarships are notable for their flexibility, as the funds do not have to be used exclusively for tuition. They can cover any education-related expenses, such as books and school supplies and can be applied to different institutions.

Kathleen Henshaw, Branch Manager at SELCO’s Old Mill location, spoke on how they scholarships are used. “Rather than just being for like a four year college, these funds can be used for a two year program or even vocational school. So it just frees up a lot of options that don’t always have, funding from outside. ”

Recipients were selected from a large, competitive pool that included graduating seniors, as well as vocational, continuing and nontraditional students. Olivia Sorensen, SELCO’s Community Development Supervisor, commented on the applicant field.

Today’s students are pursuing a wide range of paths and our scholarship program is designed to meet them where they are. The depth of this year’s applicant pool made the selection process incredibly competitive and recipients reflect the determination, resilience and ambition we see across our communities.

To qualify for the scholarships, applicants must be a SELCO member or an immediate family member of a SELCO member. They also need a GED or a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA in their last college term. Applicants must plan to attend a vocational school or an accredited two- or four-year college or university. The program recently expanded eligibility to include vocational, continuing and nontraditional students, in addition to high school seniors.

Two of this year’s recipients are from Bend. Luis Castro Hernandez will attend Oregon State University-Cascades and Tavia Zepnewski will attend the University of New Mexico. Peyton Caldwell of Eugene received the $7,500 Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship and will attend Oregon State University.

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Madeline Clark

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Cascades East Transit (CET) will implement service updates across Redmond, Bend and Madras beginning Monday, June 15, 2026. The changes include modifications to Redmond’s A and B Flex routes, additional service runs, expanded community connections and a new stop at the Downtown Redmond Library.

The service updates affect Redmond’s A and B Flex routes, as well as add new runs to Community Connector Routes 22 and 24. These modifications aim to improve commuter transfers and strengthen regional transit options for riders across Central Oregon. Cascades East Transit is operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC).

Redmond’s A and B Routes will be adjusted to a new set schedule while continuing flex-route service, meaning flexible pick-up and drop-off service within one-quarter mile of the route. These routes will feature extended service hours from 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. along with adjusted frequency.

The new stop at the Downtown Redmond Library addresses a long-planned effort to improve access to downtown destinations and community resources. The Transit Hub, located off Canal Boulevard behind Fred Meyer, will remain the primary transfer point for Community Connector routes and other local transportation providers. Cascades East Transit is adding new bus runs to improve commuter access, reduce transfer gaps and better connect riders to employment and regional transit options.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Route 24 (Redmond to Bend) Monday-Friday
– 5:30 a.m.
– 6:30 a.m.
– 10:00 a.m.

These early morning trips are designed to enhance transfer opportunities for commuters traveling into Bend, including connections to early shifts and regional routes at Hawthorne Station.

Route 22 (Redmond to Madras)
– 11:30 a.m. departure from the Redmond Transit Hub.
– 11:30 a.m. pickup from the Madras DMV.

This improvement enhances access for commuters traveling to destinations such as Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and strengthens connections to the new Route 21 service from Madras to Warm Springs and Simnasho.

ROUTE CLOSURES

The Terrebonne stop on Route 22 will remain temporarily closed due to ongoing construction at Oliver Lemon’s in Terrebonne.

Updated schedules and route information are available at Hawthorne Station, The Redmond Hub, Cascades East Transit, the Passio Go app, or by calling CET Customer Service at 541-385-8680.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from Oregon Emergency Management)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday, a severe weather warning in Central Oregon, with the potential for high winds, lightning, hail, and even a low risk of tornadoes across the region. KTVZ’s Weather Team has enacted a Local Alert Weather Day.

In La Pine on Wednesday, strong winds brought down a large tree, blocking a roadway until the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office cleared the scene. The incident highlights the kind of hazards possible as storms move through the area.

Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) urges residents to stay alert and prepare ahead of changing conditions. Shirley Blake, Public Information Officer for OEM, spoke with KTVZ News about the potential impacts across our region during the weather warning.

“Folks in Central Oregon should stay weather aware. Parts of Central Oregon could experience some storms, lightning or windstorms, possibly even localized flooding,” Blake said.

“Definitely check the weather and be up to date. Also a good time to check your preparedness,” Blake added.

Officials recommend checking road conditions before traveling, keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle, and reconsidering outdoor plans during severe weather.

If you’re driving when conditions worsen, slow down, turn on your headlights, and move to a safe location away from trees, power lines, and flood-prone areas.

“Be extra cautious of bridges or exposed roads if there is some flooding. We always push the message of ‘turn around, don’t drown’. Don’t risk it and avoid traveling on any flooded roads,” Blake said.

At home, residents are advised to stay indoors during high winds or hail and keep away from windows.

If you encounter downed trees or power lines, keep your distance and immediately contact authorities, your utility company, or both.

“Always assume that a downed power line is energized and dangerous. Stay far away from downed power lines and of course, keep children and pets away as well,” Blake said.

Emergency officials emphasize the importance of preparing before severe weather arrives, not after warnings are issued. You can sign up for OR-Alert for emergency notifications in Oregon. Resources and tips to prepare for emergencies are also available at Ready.Gov.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For more than 40 years, Goody’s has been serving up more than candy and ice cream in Central Oregon — it has been creating memories for generations of families.

What began as a small homemade candy operation in Sunriver has grown into one of the region’s most recognizable brands, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year while maintaining the hometown charm that made it famous.

On busy summer afternoons in Sunriver and Downtown Bend, the line outside Goody’s often stretches out the door. Tourists and locals alike wait for scoops of ice cream, handmade chocolates, popcorn, and other classic treats that have become part of the Central Oregon experience.

But the story behind the beloved candy shop started in a much smaller setting.

“Back in 1984, Marne Palmateer was just a local mom making treats out of her kitchen,” said David Bergman, co-owner of Goody’s.

Palmateer’s homemade candies quickly became popular among neighborhood kids and visiting families in Sunriver. The demand eventually led she and her husband to open the first Goody’s storefront there.

Not long after, the company expanded to Bend, opening a second location in a historic building on Wall Street that dates back more than a century.

“And it took off and exploded,” Bergman said. “The building’s been there since, I think, 1920.”

Over the decades, Goody’s expanded across Oregon. Today, Bergman and his business partner Mark are the company’s fourth owners. Despite the growth, Bergman says the heart of the business has remained the same: creating a place tied to family memories and tradition.

“So many people that come in the store give us stories about when they came in as a kid,” Bergman said. “Either when they were on vacation in Sunriver or with their parents. They used to live here, and they come back to Goody’s. It’s like one of those destinations.”

That nostalgia has helped fuel Goody’s success in Central Oregon, where tourism brings a steady stream of customers through the doors every summer. According to Bergman, the company sees roughly 500,000 visitors during the busy season alone.

But the impact goes beyond tourism.

Goody’s has also become a longtime source of jobs for local families, with many employees getting their first work experience behind the candy counter. In some cases, multiple generations of the same family have worked at the shops.

“So many kids that work for us, their parents worked for us — a few, even their grandparents,” Bergman said.

Community involvement has long been central to the company’s mission. Before purchasing Goody’s, Bergman and his business partner worked together leading the parent-teacher committee at Tumalo School. They viewed the candy shop as another opportunity to bring people together.

“Every single person in America has that little candy store that they grew up in, making memories with their parents and their friends and their soccer team,” Bergman said. “And I think it’s a little bit of what the country needs right now, is to be able to somehow make everyone have that feeling.”

Now, Goody’s is expanding beyond the Pacific Northwest.

The company recently launched nationwide e-commerce shipping, with online orders already reaching customers in all 50 states. Bergman says the company has fulfilled more than 10,000 online orders in its first year alone.

Even as the business grows nationally, Bergman says Goody’s remains committed to its Central Oregon roots.

From Marionberry ice cream made with Oregon-grown berries to partnerships with Oregon State University on new products, innovation continues to happen locally.

“The more jobs we can create here in Central Oregon, we will have fulfilled our mission of continuing to make smiles,” Bergman said.

From homemade treats crafted in a Sunriver kitchen to a brand shipping sweets across America, Goody’s says its recipe for success is still built on tradition, community, and Central Oregon itself.

Click here to learn more about Goody’s of Bend.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The pope recently released a large announcement regarding artificial intelligence, clarifying the church’s position on the emerging technology. But what does it mean to us, living here in Central Oregon?

We spoke to our local Bishop Thomas Hennen, about the pronouncement and asked him about its impact on Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

The letter is called an “Encyclical”. While it’s something every Pope does, they are not something that happens every year. Popes sometimes write these when there’s a transition of power, or a dramatic change in church doctrine. They are often rather lengthy and take a great deal of effort to create. Encyclicals are declarations that cement the church’s official stance on a topic.

And Pope Leo’s stance on AI is less than favorable.

It is the pontiff’s opinion that AI is not simply a morally neutral tool, but rather something that needs to be used with caution and vigilance.

Pope Leo frequently states AI needs to be “disarmed” – not just in a military way, but also in a way that removes its influence from our economy and minds.

The Pope even went on to compare the short-sighted race for profit for AI to the construction of the Tower of Babel.

Here in Central Oregon, Bishop Hennen said this message to his congregation was to reduce reliance on AI for information. He called on people to “…Not to short-circuit the process of life experience and real learning, by just relying or over-relying on AI.”

Bishop Hennen understands that AI has become a part of many people’s daily lives, saying, “And already a lot of us do this right? When we want a quick answer to something, we Google it, or we put something in our phone. For a simple question: fine. You know: ‘What are the store hours of this particular store that I want to go to?’ Okay, great. That’s fantastic. But asking life’s deeper questions? That won’t work. That will not work. ”

Bishop Hennen was excited by the Pope’s Encyclical and was in the process of crafting his own message for his diocese. He says they’ll be making decisions about how AI is used in the parish offices and in Catholic schools.

The Pope’s message is filled with references to Catholic doctrine, but also cites many secular philosophical works, even including ‘The Lord of the Rings.’

It also touches on the vast scope of AI’s impact on our society, from social media to automated weapons of war.

It ends on a message for all humanity: “Cultivate hearts that love the truth,” … “Rather than immediate results.”

The full Encyclical, called “Magnifica Humanitas” can be viewed on the Vatican’s website

Bishop Hennen’s full interview is available on our streaming service, KTVZ+.

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Harley Coldiron

Deschutes County Health shares crucial prevention tips to avoid contracting the virus.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend family is feeling a painful sense of déjà vu as a hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship makes national headlines. For Susie Moon, the story is more than news — it brings back the loss of her son Brad, who died 15 years ago from the rare disease.

A family’s loss

Moon says the latest headlines have been difficult to watch.

Brad, a Bend High graduate, was working for the Forest Service in Colorado when he went out to help a friend build a cabin deep in the wilderness. Officials believe he was exposed to the virus from rodent droppings, possibly inhaled through his facial hair.

“But he had a big beard. So they think it ended up in his beard until he got home,” Moon said.

At first, no one thought much of the mild cold symptoms Brad showed. Then came the call every parent fears.

“His friend, who he was with, called me on that Tuesday evening and told me what happened, and it was a shock,” Moon said.

When asked if she believed it at first, Moon was blunt: “No. He lived in Colorado and it felt like he was still in Colorado working.”

Brad’s last project while working for the National Forest involved restoring Lynx populations in Colorado.

Brad receives his diploma during a Bend High School graduation. He would go on to graduate from Oregon State.

How hantavirus spreads

Health officials say most cases happen when people clean up rodent droppings, often in sheds, outbuildings or cabins. Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett said patients with the infection often have been cleaning in those types of spaces.

“Patients with this infection have been doing cleaning. That often it’s called sheds or outbuildings or cabins,” Fawcett said.

Officials say the western deer mouse is the most common rodent tied to the virus in Oregon. Deschutes County health workers say the disease appears more often in Central and Eastern Oregon, in part because of older buildings and a larger rodent population.

“It’s more common in Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon,” said Rita Bacho, Deschutes County Health Program Manager.

A western deer mouse, which is the most populous rodent in Oregon, commonly carries the Sin Nombre strain of Hantavirus.

Prevention steps

Health officials are urging people to protect themselves before doing spring cleaning, especially in places where rodents may have been active. They recommend wearing gloves, a mask and even a gown when cleaning sheds, cabins or other outbuildings.

If you find rat droppings or urine, the advice is to soak the area in bleach, wait 30 minutes, and then clean it while wearing full protective gear.

Still, officials say there’s no reason for panic.

“We don’t want people to panic or be fearful because this is very much preventable,” Bacho said.

A message of awareness

Moon says she hopes more people learn from what happened to her family. “It makes my heart heavy, but people are learning about it,” she said. She believes that awareness could save lives and help keep Brad’s memory alive at the same time.

Susie looks at an old photo of Brad and recites a poem he wrote.

Important distinction

There is one important difference between the hantavirus strain that killed Brad and the strain connected to the cruise ship outbreak. Health officials say Brad died from Sin Nombre virus, which is the most common strain in the U.S.

Officials also stress that the strain is not spread from person to person. The cruise ship strain is different and can spread between people, but it is not naturally found in the United States.

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Spencer Sacks

La Pine, Ore. (KTVZ) — The La Pine City Council voted unanimously against a proposal for a new 20-megawatt Boxminer data mining center, following a meeting that lasted over 2 hours. The decision came amid significant opposition from local residents and concerns regarding the proposal’s details. The council’s rejection means the data mining center will not move forward in La Pine.

During the more than two-hour meeting, the City Council heard primarily from residents who opposed the Boxminer facility. Boxminer CEO Jeff Keller also addressed the council, aiming to persuade the board to approve the plan. The board’s unanimous vote to not proceed with the plan was met with cheers from residents present at the senior center in La Pine.

Many residents voiced their concerns during the public comments portion of the meeting, specifically citing a lack of clarity from Boxminer regarding its proposal.

La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager informed the board about the initial proposal information provided by Boxminer. Wullschlager stated this information included projected revenues for the local electrical utility and the city in terms of franchise revenues, as well as job numbers for temporary, construction and permanent positions. However, Wullschlager noted that this information “didn’t have any information that came along with it that supported or backed it up.”

After the decision, Diana Hernandez, a resident of La Pine, expressed her relief.

“I am so glad they turned it down. I really am, because there’s so much that they don’t know what goes into it,” Hernandez said.

Jon Hall, another La Pine resident, also welcomed the council’s choice. “I’m just glad they listened because I have not seen anything positive about any of these data centers anywhere, ever,” Hall said. “So the last thing I wanted is that to come into our town and just destroy it.”

Wullschlager indicated that the city is actively pursuing other options. He said that officials are “still looking at several different opportunities to fill the La Pine Industry Park.”

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation has expanded its Axel F. Hoch Legacy Scholarship program in Bend, Ore., selecting 12 new students for the 2026–27 school year. This expansion brings the total number of students supported by the program to 32 scholars who are pursuing higher education, trade schools and technical programs. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate perseverance and have overcome significant personal challenges.

The Hoch Legacy Scholarship is built upon the Foundation’s Perseverance Awards and honors the vision of Hoch. Unlike traditional scholarships that often prioritize grades or test scores, this program focuses on grit, determination and resilience over academic metrics. It supports students who have faced adversity such as poverty, homelessness, family hardships and health struggles, as they continue their educational journeys throughout Oregon.

Jamie Goldman, executive director of the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation, highlighted the program’s unique approach. “Success looks different for every student,” Goldman said. “The students in this program have already overcome challenges that many adults never face. They have shown remarkable resilience and determination and we are honored to stand beside them as they continue their educational journeys and redefine what success can look like.” The scholarship provides more than financial assistance, offering ongoing support designed to remove barriers and help students thrive. This includes pairing each recipient with a mentor to guide them through their college or career journey.

Cheri Helt, a Bend-La Pine Education Foundation representative, emphasized the deeper purpose of the initiative. “This program is about more than helping students get to college or training programs,” Helt said. “It is about helping students believe that their story, their hard work and their future matter.” The newest cohort joins an expanding community of scholars pursuing various fields. These range from health care and education to skilled trades, engineering and business.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: adding video, Life Flight Network is a not-for-profit air medical transport organization)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System is switching air medical transport partners, naming Life Flight Network as its preferred provider for patient transport and ending a long-standing relationship with AirLink.

The decision comes after a months-long request for proposals process focused on patient transportation between St. Charles facilities and from St. Charles hospitals to out-of-region care facilities. The change does not impact 911 emergency response services in Central Oregon communities.

Life Flight Network, a not-for-profit air medical transport organization founded in Oregon in 1978, has served Central Oregon for decades and opened its Redmond base in 2012. The organization is owned by four nonprofit Pacific Northwest health systems: OHSU, Legacy, Providence and St. Alphonsus.

AirLink, which has been a staple in the Central Oregon community since at least 2013, said it respects St. Charles’ decision but will remain in the area.

“We’re not going anywhere. We’ve been here a long time. And in fact, there’s people on our team that have been with the company for well over 20 years. And AirLink has been a staple in the community,” said Dan Brattain, regional vice president for AirLink. “We respect their decision. That’s their call. However, we know what our service is. We provided a top-notch service to the community.”

Brattain said AirLink has secured two hangars in Redmond and added another hangar in Bend after the hospital indicated it wants to use the current pad area for expansion. The company will move off the hospital pad back to the Bend Airport and may do some basing in Redmond.

“Our understanding is where there were three bidders, as being one of those and obviously LifeFlight. And they selected LifeFlight. We still have a current agreement with them. So our agreement expires in a few months,” Brattain said.

Life Flight says patients will see no disruption during the transition, which will happen over the coming months.

“We’re very familiar with the Saint Charles system as we’ve been flying patients in and out of the hospitals in this Central Oregon area. And so there shouldn’t be any disruption. We’re familiar with the system. We’re familiar with the providers and how they transfer patients,” said Angela Holcomb, business area manager for Life Flight. “The public shouldn’t see any disruption at all in services.”

Holcomb said Life Flight and AirLink have worked side by side for 14 years with great working relationships.

“The majority of people can’t tell us apart when we show up into a hospital room and we’re coming to take their loved one. And so I think for the public to know that both air medical companies provide excellent service in this area. And I don’t see that anyone will notice much difference as far as the public is concerned,” Holcomb said.

Life Flight crews operate with a team of three: a pilot, a critical care nurse and a critical care paramedic. The aircraft services all of Central Oregon and can fly to Portland, Klamath Falls and other locations as needed. Five or six helicopters stationed throughout the valley, north of Central Oregon and east of Central Oregon cover the region, all within less than an hour away.

For 911 calls, Deschutes County 911 dispatches the closest available aircraft, whether it’s Life Flight, AirLink or another aircraft from outside Central Oregon, ensuring patients get care as quickly as possible.

“What I’m most proud of is our culture. The dedication that all of our flight crew members and our pilots and our mechanics and our air staff and our support staff, everyone within the company and how we all have the same mission. We all have the same values. We all want what’s best for the patient,” Holcomb said.

All Life Flight staff at the Redmond base live in Central Oregon, raise their kids here and recreate here.

“We were founded in Oregon almost 50 years ago. So we’ve been in the central Oregon area operating here for the last 14 years at this Redmond base. But our aircraft out of Portland has been also servicing this area prior to us establishing a base here,” Holcomb said.

St. Charles values its longstanding collaboration with regional EMS partners and remains committed to working closely with local agencies in support of the communities they collectively serve.

LifeFlight says patients are expected to see a transition from AirLink to their critical care medical transport. That transition will happen in the next few months, with no disruptions expected in service.

Reported at 11:53 AM on May 27, 2026

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System is moving away from its longtime air ambulance program, AirLink, and partnering with Life Flight Network to handle patient transports across Central Oregon and beyond.

The change will roll out in the coming months, shifting how critically ill patients are moved between facilities.

The decision is raising questions about what prompted the switch, how patients may be affected, and what lies ahead for AirLink and its members.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday takes a closer look in a full report tonight at 6 p.m. on NBC.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Prineville Planning Director)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville housing development is moving forward with a new builder, and city leaders say the change could help add more homes to the fast-growing community.

The Ochoco Pointe subdivision has been in Prineville since 2003. Over the years, Pahlisch Homes has built up a large part of the neighborhood.

Now, Pahlisch has assigned its agreement to purchase the remaining lots to another builder, Lennar.

Because the land is city-owned, the change had to be approved by Prineville City Council.

“If we’re going to sell property to a developer, we want to know what it’s going to look like and what it’s going to be,” said Joshua Smith, planning director for the City of Prineville.

“We assigned it to Pahlisch, and we had specific requirements. So they had to come back to City Council and request that they allow that to be turned over to Lennar,” Smith added.

The City of Prineville worked with Lennar on the development’s rules, street networks, and overall design. The goal is to build on the groundwork Pahlisch laid, while providing more housing at a lower price point.

“They made the decision to allow the assignment primarily based on providing a slightly lower priced home,” Smith said. “What it does is it keeps the project moving, which it would have stalled out.”

Lennar is expected to build around 150 homes in the next phases. That will help add inventory, but it is only one piece of Prineville’s housing needs.

The city is also seeing apartments go up, while still looking for more ways to fill low- to middle-income housing gaps.

“We have a need at the low end. I think that’s everywhere,” Smith said.

“A tremendous amount of apartments being built. So that’s kind of hitting some of that upper middle. I think we have a little bit of need at that lower middle,” Smith added.

City leaders say Prineville is actively planning for growth, while trying to make sure each step protects the culture and community that make the city unique.

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