Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The University of Oregon received a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support youth with disabilities. The funding will bolster the university’s transition services, which help students prepare for graduation, the workforce, and independent living.

Experts estimate that 2 million high school students, or about 13% of the total high school population, have physical, emotional, or other disabilities. Research indicates these students graduate and enter the workforce at lower rates than their peers without disabilities. University of Oregon currently ranks third in the country for special education research.

Researchers at University of Oregon-College of Education will lead a collaborative effort with five other universities to assist state and local agencies. These agencies work directly with students as they prepare to graduate, enter the workforce and live independently.

Deanne Unruh serves as the co-director of the College of Education’s Secondary Special Education and Transition Research unit. She explained that the initiative focuses on supporting state organizations to create broader impact.

“We know that change happens at the state and local level; so this is an efficiency model with states as the true change agents,” Unruh said.

The initiative involves a group of experts from George Washington University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Maryland, University of Kansas, and Portland State University.

Unruh noted the group includes many of the researchers who developed evidence-based practices for transition work.

“Our team is comprised of many of the people who have led the research that provides the evidence-based practices for this work, so I really consider this a dream team,” Unruh said.

The center’s responsibilities include helping state agencies collect valid data on student performance and delivering professional development to educators. Staff members also work to improve engagement with families and implement career pathways for students. These technical assistance services are provided free of charge to the states.

Caroline MaGee is a researcher in the Department of Secondary Special Education and Transition. She highlighted the university’s role as a national resource for transition programming.

“We are a trusted source of research, information and resources,” MaGee said.

University of Oregon researchers have reported significant growth in the capacity of state and local agencies to serve students with disabilities. Recent data indicates that graduation and employment gaps between disabled and nondisabled youth are closing. Under the new grant, the university will provide fiscal and technical leadership for the center, which maintains affiliated staff members in 18 states.

Unruh noted that agencies often face challenges due to differing state laws and data collection requirements.

“Agencies from state to state have different measurement outcomes, different data collection rules and they have different rules and responsibilities that are related to the laws that govern their agencies,” Unruh said. She added that the center focuses on improving collaboration between these different groups, stating that the center has a “proven and unparalleled track record of improving results.”

The university’s focus on transition services began in 1987 under education researcher Andrew Halpern. He established one of the first academic departments in the United States dedicated to studying the needs of students with disabilities. Although Halpern died in 2008, the university remains a leader in the field and is currently ranked third in the country for special education research.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) completed 11.41 miles of new trails at Cline Buttes, a project designed to expand the regional network while protecting sensitive wildlife habitats. The construction, which began in October 2023, now connects the Cline Buttes area to Cascade View.

This two-year effort focused on balancing outdoor recreation with environmental stewardship. By realigning sections of the cross-country trail system, the alliance created a larger protective buffer for eagle nesting sites and improved trail sustainability.

The project focused on securing long-term public access for the mountain biking community. The alliance realigned the DH1 and DH3 trails to move them off private property and entirely onto public land. These changes also improved trail access for riders traveling from the nearby communities of Tumalo and Redmond.

The expansion includes two new climbing trails designed for various skill levels. These trails offer improved flow and progression for riders. By connecting Cline Buttes to Cascade View, the project also increased winter riding opportunities throughout the regional network.

Trail Program Director Alex Brieger oversaw the planning and execution of the network expansion.

“This project started so we could construct a complete trail network on the butte with access all on public land while also protecting wildlife in this area,” Brieger said.

Brieger noted that the accomplishment required years of collaboration and hard work from the community.

Professional trail builders from Velo Solutions, led by Paul Thomasburg, assisted with the construction. COTA staff and local residents also provided significant labor for the project. Volunteers contributed more than 3,985 hours to the effort over the last two years.

Financial support for the 2025 projects came from multiple sources. Funding was provided by the Recreational Trails Program and the Future Fund.

Click here to learn more about COTA.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Irrigation District plans to deliver a winter stock-water run this week for farms on the east side of Bend, including the Alfalfa and Powell Butte areas, as long as water flows in the Deschutes River remain steady. The run is scheduled for March 2 through March 5.

District officials say there are no winter stock runs planned for the Pilot Butte Canal, which serves the north end of Bend, Redmond, and Terrebonne, due to ongoing construction projects.

All dates are tentative and could change or be canceled because of bad weather, low river flows, or other conditions. The winter stock-water run is intended solely to fill ponds for livestock use. Customers on the Central Oregon Canal system who need stock water are asked to contact the district office.

The district is also inviting public comments on its draft Pilot Butte Watershed Plan–Environmental Impact Statement. The meeting will be held Tuesday, March 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a presentation at 5:30 p.m., at the Redmond Senior Center, 325 Dogwood Avenue.

Residents can learn more or submit comments by March 31 through the project website at www.coidpiping.com, by mail at 1055 SW Lake Court, Redmond, OR 97756, or by email at coid.eis.comment@gmail.com. Phone inquiries can be made to (541) 699-4415.

For additional updates or changes, visit the Central Oregon Irrigation District’s Important Information page.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council is moving forward with plans to adopt new home-hardening requirements aimed at making new residential buildings more resilient to wildfires.

During a work session last Wednesday, councilors directed staff to begin the local adoption process for Section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.

Section R327 is a state-adopted building code that local jurisdictions can choose to implement for new, detached residential structures. The standards focus on construction practices that reduce the risk of ignition during wildfire events.

The council’s decision followed reviews of various options and timelines by city officials to improve community safety and regional consistency.

Section R327 establishes specific construction requirements for newly built dwellings and accessory structures.

Under the proposed rules, new homes would be required to use non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials for exterior components such as roofing, gutters and windows. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of a structure catching fire during a wildfire event.

The requirements focus on new construction and would not apply to apartment buildings, commercial construction or renovations to existing buildings.

While structures like mixed-use facilities and apartments are not regulated under Section R327, they are often already subject to fire resilience standards through the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.

The Bend City Council also held discussions regarding defensible space, which refers to a buffer zone created around a structure to slow the spread of fire.

Potential updates to local defensible space requirements will be considered separately from the home-hardening code. Because this topic involves multiple city departments, it will be brought back for council discussion at a future meeting, following additional public input.

Adopting the new standards would bring the city in line with neighboring jurisdictions. Section R327 is scheduled to take effect on April 1 in the City of Sisters and unincorporated areas of Deschutes County. officials noted that a consistent regional approach helps support overall community wildfire resilience.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for consideration and public comment during the City Council business meeting on April 1. The council will determine a specific implementation timeline during that meeting, with the code potentially taking effect this spring.

More information about the proposal and meeting details can be found at bendoregon.gov/citycouncil.

Here is the presentation councilors received:

City of Bend home hardening presentationDownload

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum is launching a year-long program this spring to explore the intersection of regional history and American founding themes. “250 in the West” marks the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

The program features a series of events focusing on public lands, citizenship and identity. By examining little-known stories of the High Desert and the broader West, the museum aims to provide a space for civic engagement and dialogue about modern challenges and opportunities.

Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., explained that the series is designed to encourage community conversation through the work of renowned scholars.

“Anniversaries invite us to look both backward and forward and to pause and reconsider the stories we think we know,” Whitelaw said. She noted that the speakers will illuminate little-known aspects of regional history to create space for thoughtful engagement.

The series begins on Thursday, March 12 with a presentation by Flannery Burke, Ph.D. Burke is a professor at St. Louis University and the author of “Back East.” Her talk will explore how Western perspectives influenced the intellectual development of the United States, including the formation of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

On Wednesday, April 15, the museum will host Leisl Carr Childers, an associate professor at Colorado State University. Childers will trace the origins of public lands from the American Revolution to the present. The presentation focuses on how debates over land use have shaped the West and continue to influence the region today.

The spring portion of the program concludes on Thursday, April 30 with legal scholar and author Susan Kamei. Her book, “When Can We Go Back to America?” draws from her family’s experience during the incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans in World War II. Kamei will discuss the historical and political ramifications for citizenship and what it means to be an American.

Doors for all three events open at 6:00 p.m. and presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the March 12 and April 15 events are $8. The April 30 event is $12 and includes a post-presentation reception with light appetizers and a no-host bar. Museum members receive a 20% discount on all ticket prices.

The program is made possible through support from the America 250 Oregon Commission. Information regarding tickets and the series is available at highdesertmuseum.org/250-west.

The “250 in the West” program will continue in the fall. Additional events and speakers for the second half of the yearlong series will be announced at a later date.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the 250 in the West series, visit highdesertmuseum.org/250-west. The programmatic series is made possible with support from the America 250 Oregon Commission. 

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Recent federal changes require more Oregonians receiving SNAP food benefits to meet work or training requirements to maintain their eligibility. The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Employment Department are urging affected residents to utilize free job and training resources through 37 WorkSource Oregon centers located throughout the state.

The updated federal rules mean certain adults must participate in work-related activities to continue receiving benefits for longer than three months. These requirements now apply to a broader group of people than in previous years, including adults up to age 64 and some households with older children. WorkSource Oregon partners are offering free employment services to help these individuals meet the new standards.

Many participants may already satisfy the new rules through their current activities. Employment, volunteering and other similar engagements can count toward the federal requirement. State officials are working to connect participants with services that support job searches and build professional skills. Staff from both departments are available to help individuals understand their options and maintain eligibility for food aid.

Jessica Amya Hoffman serves as the SNAP director at the Oregon Department of Human Services. She explained that the agency uses case management to help individuals transition into the workforce. “Through case management and employment and training services, we work with each person to create a plan based on their interests, strengths and abilities,” Hoffman said. “This helps them meet requirements while moving toward a career path that fits their goals.”

Available services at the centers include personalized support to develop case plans and identify options for meeting work rules. Staff also offer job search assistance, resume development and one-on-one coaching for interview preparation. Participants can access workshops focused on workplace expectations and professional skills to improve their job readiness.

The program also connects residents to education and training opportunities. These include GED completion, short-term training programs and industry-recognized certifications. In some cases, the state provides help with items needed for success in the program, such as transportation assistance.

Jim Pfarrer is the workforce operations director at the Oregon Employment Department. He emphasized that the services are provided at no additional cost to the participants. “WorkSource Oregon staff are ready to help SNAP participants look for meaningful work, meet SNAP requirements and stay eligible for the benefits they rely on while moving toward their professional goals,” Pfarrer said. He noted that participants can receive career coaching and practice interviewing just like any other job seeker who visits a center.

Not all areas of the state are subject to these federal work rules. Residents in counties without a nearby WorkSource Oregon center are currently exempt from the requirements. This list of exempt areas includes Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties. Individuals in these locations do not need to meet the work rules to continue receiving their benefits.

Residents with questions about their eligibility or potential exemptions are encouraged to contact the Oregon Department of Human Services. Information regarding specific work rules and activity reporting is available at Oregon.gov/snapworkrules. Participants can also contact the ABAWD Team at 1-833-947-1694.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum will launch a year-long program this spring called ‘250 in the West’ to examine the legacy of the American founding in the region. The series precedes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The program features a series of events with historians and scholars who will explore themes of public lands, citizenship and identity. The initiative aims to use regional history to encourage community conversation about modern challenges and opportunities in the West.

Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw explained that the series is designed to help residents connect through historical perspectives.
“Anniversaries invite us to look both backward and forward and to pause and reconsider the stories we think we know,” Whitelaw said. “In this series, our speakers illuminate little-known aspects of our region’s history and the broader West. By grounding these conversations in history, we hope to create space for thoughtful engagement and meaningful dialogue at a time when many people are seeking ways to connect.”

The series begins Thursday, March 12, with a presentation by Flannery Burke, a historian and professor at St. Louis University. Burke will discuss how Western perspectives influenced the intellectual development of the United States, including the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $8, with a 20% discount for museum members.

On Wednesday, April 15, Leisl Carr Childers will lead a discussion on the history of public lands from the American Revolution to the present. Childers is an associate professor at Colorado State University. Her presentation will examine how debates over land use continue to influence the High Desert region. Tickets are $8 for the public and include a 20% discount for members. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. event.

The spring series concludes on Thursday, April 30, with legal scholar and author Susan Kamei. She will explore the constitutional ramifications of the incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Kamei will discuss how this history challenges traditional ideas of citizenship and what it means to be an American. Tickets for this event are $12 and include a post-presentation reception with light appetizers.

The ‘250 in the West’ program is made possible through support from the America 250 Oregon Commission. More information and tickets are available here.

The museum will continue the ‘250 in the West’ program in the fall with a new schedule of events and speakers. These upcoming presentations will further examine how questions of land, culture and citizenship are woven into the history of the High Desert.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three year neighborhood debate over proposed tasting room and winery continues with the Deschutes Board of County Commissioners reviewing a modified application last week. The proposed winery on Bowery Lane is about five miles north of Bend.

Commissioner Adair and Commissioner Debone voted to close public testimony for the project, known as Lava Terrace Cellars, with formal deliberations scheduled for a later date. Commissioner Chair Phil Chang recused himself from the hearing due to potential conflict of interest having received $7,000 in campaign contributions from the Bayard’s, who are head of the Rock O’ Ranch Homeowners Association which is leading the charge in opposing the winery.

Property owners Duane and Dina Barker are seeking county approval for the small-scale winery and tasting room. The project has been under review for more than two years and has faced ongoing challenges from neighbors regarding zoning, wastewater and traffic.

Carol Dollhousen, a neighbor to the Barker’s and Bayard’s who’s in favor of the winery spoke to commissioners, highlighting the small neighborhood community’s fragmented relations. She said, “The neighborhood is very divided. However, I do not think it is true that the winery divided the neighborhood.” Dollhousen added, “it was the tactics that were used and the way the HOA was done that was destructive to the unity and friendships and the community.”

Although a hearings officer initially approved the plan in early 2024, the current modifications were submitted to bring the project into full code compliance.

The Barkers presented several revisions to the application during the meeting, including a reduction in annual wine production from 2,000 cases to 1,500 cases. Other modifications include fewer parking spaces, updated fire access information, building compliance details and the removal of property from the public right of way. Barker told commissioners the changes were intended to satisfy regulatory requirements. “Since this has already been approved, we’re really just asking for the approval of the modifications that were being presented that bring everything into code compliance,” Barker said.

Michele Bayard, a neighbor and head of the Rock O’ Ranch Homeowners Association, argued that Oregon law prevents commercial activity on the property. While the land is currently designated as a multiple-use agricultural zone, Bayard contended that state statutes regarding wineries require larger plots of land. “Oregon law or as 215 452 explicitly states that an Oregon winery shall be cited on lands on exclusive farm use and must have a minimum parcel size of 15 acres,” Bayard said.

Wastewater management emerged as a primary concern for opposing neighbors. Toby Bayard, a resident in the area, warned that the winery’s operations could impact the local aquifer. “This amount of wastewater is definitely going to percolate down to the aquifer, particularly because of the porous soil,” Bayard said. “And it’s going to be a big lawsuit. And actually, State of Oregon can be held liable. Perhaps the county, if you approve it and certainly the Barkers.”

A legal representative for the Barkers stated that the applicants sought Department of Environmental Quality approval for their management plan. The lawyer explained that the proposal was adjusted to use holding tanks rather than ponds to manage the water used to clean and rinse equipment. “The wastewater management plan that DCPs reviewed and approved addresses is like the process by which that the potable water is used to clean equipment, rinse equipment and then it goes into holding tanks,” the lawyer said. The plan includes the use of several 275-gallon tanks.

Traffic safety on the dirt and gravel road was also debated. Neighbor William McVicker testified that residents frequently use the road for walking, biking and horseback riding and expressed concern that visitors would not see pedestrians around blind corners. Additionally, county transportation officials identified fencing, trellising and vines that are currently obstructing the public right of way. Officials stated these items must be removed as a safety requirement.

The hearing drew a packed house of supporters, including 14 individuals who spoke in favor of Lava Terrace Cellars. Proponents noted that the Barkers do not use herbicides or pesticides in their vineyard and argued that the appointment-only tasting room would have a minimal impact on traffic. Barker said the winery fits into the region’s long-term agricultural goals. “This will be something that actually supports the growth, the agritourism, the farm to table aspect of what the High Desert Food Alliance is doing and other organizations,” Barker said. “We want to support the agritourism that has been proposed in the 2040 plan.”

The legal authority of the Rock O’ Ranch Homeowners Association remains a point of contention between the parties. A lawyer, offering legal perspective to the record, cited a recent Deschutes County court case which he claimed invalidated the association and its restrictions on commercial activity. However, Bayard argued that the original 1966 declarations remain in effect and have been enforced. “The judgment is not final,” Bayard said. “So let’s not say we don’t have an HOA. We do have that HOA Does not allow commercial activity.”

County commissioners have closed the public record for the application. Deliberations regarding the proposal will take place at a later date.

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CNN Newsource

This story was originally published by CNN. Click here for live updates.

ARLINGTON, Virginia (CNN) — The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said the US war against Iran would not consist of a “single, overnight operation” and added that more US casualties should be expected.

“This is not a single, overnight operation,” Caine said at the Pentagon on Monday. “The military objectives that CENTCOM and the Joint Force have been tasked with will take some time to achieve, and in some cases, will be difficult and gritty work.”

“We expect to take additional losses, and as always, we will work to minimize US losses,” the general added.

Four American servicemembers have been killed since the US and Israel struck targets inside Iran over the weekend.

Here’s the latest

• Pentagon briefing: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the goal of the strikes on Iran was not regime change, “but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it.” Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said the war against Iran would not be a “single, overnight operation.”

• Expanding war with Iran: Iran’s top official said Tehran “will not negotiate” with the US. Israel and Hezbollah are trading blows as the conflict widens, while explosions have been heard in Gulf cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Here’s a look at the war in maps and charts.

• Fighter jets shot down: Three US fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in an apparent “friendly fire incident,” according to the US military. All crews have been recovered and are in stable condition.

• Death toll grows: At least 555 people have died in Iran since the US-Israeli strikes began, according to the Red Crescent Society. President Donald Trump acknowledged there could be more US casualties after four US troops were killed in Kuwait.

• Global shockwaves: Qatar’s state-run energy company has stopped its production of liquified natural gas, following an Iranian attack on its facility. Qatar accounts for roughly 20% of global exports. The war has also disrupted air travel, with airspace closed in the Middle East.

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Tracee Tuesday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon wrestlers put on a powerful performance at the 2025-26 OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union Wrestling State Championships, held Thursday February 26th through Saturday February 28th, at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Crook County’s girls team led the way, capturing the 6A/5A state title with seven podium finishes. The Cowgirls tallied 140 points to edge Dallas, which finished second with 130. For first-year head coach Sam Schmitz, who previously wrestled for Newberg and served as an assistant for Crook County, it was a special debut season.

“I think it just shows the resilience of our kids,” Schmitz said. “Even when it wasn’t going great, they were still fighting and battling and standing behind each other. It’s pretty cool to be a part of.”

The Cowgirls were led by sisters Lauren and Taylor Echeverria, who both reached the finals, while teammates Chevelle Boynton, Emerie Cox, Maylee Yancey, Hazell Harris and Jolisa Martinez also earned top-six finishes to secure crucial team points.

On the boys’ side, Crook County placed third in the 5A division with 187.5 points, while the Redmond Panthers finished fourth with 119.5 — marking their sixth straight season with a state trophy. In the 2A/1A bracket, the Culver Bulldogs claimed first place, continuing their strong wrestling tradition.

In individual competition, Crook County junior Chase Hemphill captured his first state title, while Bend High’s Leif Larwin continued his dominance with a third straight championship in three years.

KTVZ News extends a big congratulations to all of Central Oregon’s wrestlers and teams that competed at this year’s state championships.

For the full list of competitions and results, visit the OSAA website.

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