Category: ktvz-local-news

Campbell Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The main academic building at Redmond High School will close for the 2026-27 school year after construction activities disturbed asbestos-containing materials, rendering portions of the facility unsafe to occupy. The Redmond School District is arranging modular classrooms on campus to deliver academic instruction for students.

The high school’s gymnasium and Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing will remain open during this time.

The closure follows the start of remodel construction this summer, during which sampling confirmed asbestos levels in the main academic building were not compatible with occupancy for staff and students. Redmond High School, like many buildings of its era, contains asbestos that has been managed for years.

The 2025 Redmond School Bond, passed by Redmond voters in fall 2024, was always intended to address the asbestos as part of the modernization process. The District had initially developed a phased construction plan designed to keep portions of the building open while work progressed, a plan considered viable until construction began.

The initial plan changed at the onset of roof work on the building, when vibration caused delamination of previously identified fireproofing materials containing asbestos-containing materials, also known as ACMs. An environmental consulting firm immediately conducted additional sampling throughout the entire building and testing confirmed elevated levels throughout the main academic building. The presence of disturbed asbestos-containing material requires additional precautions and test results showed the main academic building cannot be occupied by staff and students while active construction continues without additional engineering controls.

Redmond School District Superintendent Charan Cline stated that the phased plan was the preferred approach but acknowledged the potential need for modular classrooms, a possibility discussed during the bond campaign. “The phased plan was always our preferred path, but we knew from the beginning that modular classrooms could be necessary, which was discussed during the bond campaign,” Cline said. “Our top priority is the safety of staff, students and the construction crews.”

For the 2026-27 school year, Redmond High School students will remain on campus for core academic instruction in the prepared modular classrooms. The academic calendar will remain unchanged. The gymnasium and CTE wing will continue to operate as roof work has not yet occurred over either of these sections.

A temporary HVAC system is being installed in the gymnasium to provide dedicated air circulation separate from the main academic building. While core academic instruction will take place in modular classrooms, CTE courses, physical education, athletics and other gymnasium activities will continue in the existing facilities.

Band, choir, theater and ceramics programs will be relocated to Hugh Hartman Elementary, which is a short walking distance from Redmond High. Specifics regarding these arrangements will be communicated in the coming weeks. The District expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of students, families and staff as these plans are finalized.

Superintendent Cline emphasized the district’s commitment to the community. “The District made a promise to this community to improve district facilities,” Cline said. “The district will continue to monitor conditions throughout the construction process and will prioritize safety. If circumstances change, we will communicate any updates with families and staff.” A full FAQ is available on the district’s bond pages and on the Redmond High School website.

The remodel remains on schedule. Moving instruction to modular classrooms is expected to allow construction crews to work efficiently and keep the project moving forward. The District remains optimistic that this approach will keep the remodel on track toward the entire building reopening for the 2027-28 school year.

If you have questions, attached here is a full FAQ provided by district officials.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding EPA instructions)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire smoke continues to affect Central Oregon, many commercial air purifiers have sold out at stores around the region. But the Environmental Protection Agency says a do-it-yourself box-fan air cleaner can offer a more affordable, attainable way to reduce smoke particles indoors.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended an air quality advisory for Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties through at least Friday afternoon due to smoke from multiple wildfires. Conditions can change quickly depending on fire activity and wind direction.

To build a basic air cleaner, the EPA recommends using a 20-by-20-inch box fan made in 2012 or later, a matching MERV 13 air filter, cardboard, and duct tape. The fan should also have a UL or ETL safety marking.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures how effectively a filter captures airborne particles. The EPA recommends a MERV 13 filter because it can capture the very small particles found in wildfire smoke. A one-inch-thick filter can work, although the agency found that thicker filters are more effective.

The filter should be attached to the back of the fan, with the airflow arrow pointing toward the fan. A cardboard shroud with an opening roughly the size of the fan blades can then be taped to the front.

EPA laboratory testing found that adding the cardboard shroud increased the cleaner’s clean-air delivery rate by 40%.

The EPA recommends keeping both sides of the cleaner free of obstructions and plugging the fan directly into an outlet instead of using an extension cord. During smoky conditions, check the filter daily and replace it when it turns dark gray or brown or begins to smell like smoke.

One unit may help create a cleaner-air room where household members spend most of their time. However, a DIY cleaner does not eliminate every wildfire hazard and is not a substitute for following evacuation orders.

More construction and safety information is available through the EPA’s DIY air-cleaner guide.

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Lance Campbell

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuation orders continue to be issued across Central Oregon, it’s not just people who need a safe place to go. The Crook County and Deschutes County fairgrounds are providing temporary refuge for horses, livestock and other large animals displaced by the fires.

Animals temporarily sheltered at the Crook County Fair being displaced by Central Oregon wildfire evacuations.

Working alongside emergency responders and volunteers, both fairgrounds are helping care for evacuated animals while owners focus on getting themselves and their families to safety.

At the Crook County Fairgrounds, officials say caring for livestock is an important part of protecting the community during emergencies.

“This is all centered around community and priorities and making sure everybody in the community stays safe, including people and the animals,” a Casey Daly, Manager Crook County Fairgrounds said.

At the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, volunteers with the Pet Evacuation Team are also caring for displaced animals while working around preparations for the upcoming Deschutes County Fair.

Mary Barron, Interim Deployment Manager with the Pet Evacuation Team, says the best time to prepare for an evacuation is before one is ever issued.

The Pet evacuation Team is helping care for displaced animals at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds while working alongside emergency responders during ongoing wildfire evacuations.

“Before they get the evacuation notice, they should have a go bag packed and ready,” Barron said. “If you have animals that you’re going to evacuate, have a plan… have a little bag of food… so you can just scoop them up and go as quickly as possible.”

Officials encourage livestock owners to have a transportation plan, keep emergency supplies packed and know where they’ll take their animals if evacuation orders are issued.

Horses sheltered at the Crook County Fairgrounds are being cared for until it’s safe for until it’s safe for their owners to return home.

As wildfire season continues across Central Oregon, emergency responders say preparing ahead of time for both people and animals can help make evacuations safer and less stressful when time matters most.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend ORE. (KTVZ) — After KTVZ reached out to the offices of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley regarding the wildfires burning across Central Oregon, an update has been provided:

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires in Oregon and across the nation.

States can request financial assistance from FEMA through fire management assistance grants to help cover costs relating to emergencies, firefighting activities, and administrative costs. After a grant is declared, states can request assistance to help affected communities rebuild and mitigate future wildfire disasters through FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant program post fire. However, many communities are still waiting for those post-fire funds from previous wildfire disasters, which has left them vulnerable to current and future wildfire disasters.

“Wildfires are one of the most frequently recurring disasters that, while once common only to western states, have recently become a major threat to communities across the country,” the senators wrote.

“2024 also proved to be the worst wildfire season in Oregon. These wildfires can be lethal and destroy critical infrastructure and entire residential communities, negatively affect public health through harmful smoke and air pollutants, and place large economic burdens on urban and rural communities,” the senators wrote.

“Given these recent fires, the persistent drought across multiple states, and the expected above normal wildfire activity, it is imperative that FEMA helps communities quickly respond to wildfires and increase their resilience to future wildfire disasters,” Wyden and the senators wrote.

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo, Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Rev. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Juan Manuel Reverter, an Argentine national suspected in the high-profile femicide of model Agostina Jalabert, was arrested today in Deschutes County, Oregon. The arrest, which occurred around 7:30 a.m., followed an Interpol Red Notice issued to locate Reverter.

Femicide is the intentional murder of women or girls because of their gender.

Reverter is the primary suspect in the death of 31-year-old Jalabert, which took place on Feb. 18, 2023, in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Prosecutors allege Reverter beat and strangled Jalabert, then staged her hanging to simulate a suicide. The U.S. Marshals Service, Interpol Washington, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) and Border Patrol collaborated in today’s arrest.

The U.S. Marshals Service operates multi-jurisdictional partnerships that identify, locate and arrest violent and egregious federal and state fugitives. These task forces use an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach, supported by prosecutors, to disrupt threats from dangerous offenders across jurisdictions.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at one-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue crews responded to a reported lightning strike during Thursday night’s thunderstorms (July 22nd).

The agency reminds you that lightning can ignite vegetation and create fire hazards.

If you see smoke or fire following a storm, call 911 immediately.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As summer flies by, the school year quickly approaches. For Bend-La Pine Schools, new bus riders, kindergarten students, and their families are invited to learn about bus safety and take a spin on a school bus during the Ready, Set, Ride! bus safety programs.

During the events, families will watch a short video, learn about the rules of bus riding, and ride a bus together. The sessions last approximately one hour.

The sessions will take place at Bend-La Pine Transportation Department, 501 SE Second St. (and Wilson), in Bend on the following days:

• Tuesday, August 11, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• Wednesday, August 12, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

La Pine Elementary, 51615 Coach Rd., La Pine

• Thursday, August 13, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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Kelsey Merison

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) Happening next weekend, head on out to Tumalo Lavender for the first annual Tumalo Lavender Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

On Saturday, August 1st, the fields will be in peak bloom and it promises to be a colorful community celebration, including u-cut lavender bouquets, local artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly fun.

It’s free for all and everyone is welcome!

Click here to learn more.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire and Rescue is currently receiving numerous public inquiries concerning wildfire safety, emergency alerts and evacuation plans amid local smoke and fire conditions. Officials are advising residents to sign up for Deschutes County Alerts and to practice potential evacuation routes.

Many residents are worried about knowing when to evacuate during a wildfire emergency. The Deschutes County alert system provides direct notifications for emergencies or evacuations through email or phone number registration, including landlines.

Bend Fire also recommends that residents practice their evacuation routes to prepare for low-visibility conditions. Melissa Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness for Bend Fire and Rescue, emphasized the importance of knowing multiple ways out of a community.

“We always encourage people, not during fire season, to go get lost,” Steele said. “Go find some different routes on how to get out of your community. It’s good to know those routes because in an evacuation, it’s not always a blue sky day. You’re going to have lots of smoke that you’re going to be breathing in, you’re going to have embers raining down on you. And it could be pitch black, dark. So this isn’t an easy evacuation. You want to know those routes.”

For additional questions, residents can contact Bend Fire through its non-emergency number, 541-693-6911. Bend Fire and Rescue also assists with making arrangements for individuals with mobility issues or with medical equipment who may require help during an evacuation.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Highway 26 is closed over the Ochoco Mountains between Prineville and Mitchell due to active wildfire and related response efforts in the area.

The closure spans milepost 46 to 65, according to authorities. All lanes, shoulders and the median are affected in both directions.

Drivers are urged to use an alternate route and avoid the area as conditions remain active and potentially hazardous. Officials warn that roads near wildfires can open or close with little notice depending on fire behavior, weather conditions and firefighting operations.

KTVZ News is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available. Check back for the latest details.

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