Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – In an effort to preserve and protect the structural integrity of the historic Crook County Courthouse, six cedar trees surrounding the building will be removed this Friday, officials announced.

The trees — four located on the front of the Courthouse and two on the west side — are large, mature cedars that were not part of the original landscape design, county officials said in a news release.

“While their presence may seem picturesque, their size and placement now pose a serious threat to the foundation of this iconic structure,” the county said.

“The trees are leaning outward in search of sun, and their roots are placing significant stress on the Courthouse’s historic rock foundation. In the event of severe weather or saturated soil conditions, these trees could fall, potentially pulling on and damaging the Courthouse’s foundation.”

Here’s the rest of the county announcement about the trees’ removal:

“This is a proactive measure to safeguard one of Crook County’s most iconic and beloved buildings,” said Facilities Director James Preuss. “These trees, while beautiful, have unfortunately become a risk to the structure we’re working hard to preserve.”

The removal will be conducted by Lindsey Land & Tree LLC, a local tree service company based in Crook County. Work is expected to take place throughout the day on Friday.

In addition to addressing safety and preservation concerns, the removal will also help restore the original character and visibility of the Courthouse, allowing its architectural beauty to once again be fully appreciated. Clearing the overgrowth will allow the community to once again admire the historic details and craftsmanship that have defined the Courthouse since its construction.

“This is part of a larger effort to spruce up the Courthouse and return her to her former glory,” Commissioner Susan Hermreck noted. “These particular trees were not part of the historical landscape, and while the decision to remove them was not made lightly, it is ultimately the most prudent step for the long-term health and safety of the building.”

The County said it “appreciates the community’s understanding as this important preservation work is carried out.”

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond is currently working to update two critical infrastructure master plans, the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan (CSMP) and the Transportation System Plan (TSP). 

These Master Plans help assess how City infrastructure is performing and identify current and future improvements. An integral part of these updates is public involvement and feedback.  Both plans are available for review online at www.redmondoregon.gov/master-plans.

The City’s current CSMP was adopted in 2007.  As part of the proposed CSMP update, growth assumptions and flow monitoring have been updated to plan for the wastewater infrastructure needed to serve the community’s forecasted growth. 

To facilitate ongoing and anticipated levels of significant job growth on the eastside of the city, additional transportation facilities will be needed over the next 20 years to maintain a system that is safe, reliable and that provides access to the Redmond Municipal Airport and other critical service areas that are part of the State’s Resiliency Plan.

The amendments to Redmond’s TSP, adopted in 2020, modifies employment distribution in the designated Large Lot Industrial lands south of the Fairgrounds, updates Alternate Mobility Targets along South Highway 97, and aligns project lists with these new assumptions.  The City is and will continue to partner with Deschutes County and ODOT to evaluate how the transportation capacity needs can be met over the long term.

Public hearings for the CSMP and TSP amendments are tentatively scheduled for July 9 with the Redmond Planning Commission and then the Redmond City Council on July 22. For more information or submit comments, contact Planning Director Kyle Roberts at kyle.roberts@redmondoregon.gov or 541-923-7758.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning on Friday, June 20, the popular USDA Forest Service Annual Northwest Forest Pass will be available for online purchase at www.recreation.gov.

“In a desire to be responsive to interest and input from the public, an Annual Northwest Forest can now be purchased online as we expand pass options for recreation users. Many users have been requesting digital passes for years, and we are pleased to make it happen,” said Tracy Calizon, Assistant Director of Recreation, Lands, and Minerals.

The Northwest Forest Pass allows visitors to access day-use recreation fee sites and facilities at all Forest Service-operated recreation sites across Oregon and Washington. 

The Annual Northwest Forest Pass costs $30, with no additional fee for purchases made online. The digital pass is available at www.recreation.gov by visiting a specific National Forest’s profile and then selecting “Activities & Experiences.” Like the hard-copy version, a digital pass is valid at all Forest Service-operated sites in Oregon and Washington. The digital pass must be printed, signed, and displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard. Please remember that recreation passes are non-refundable.

Hard-copy passes can still be purchased in person at a Forest Service office or local vendor. You may also order hard-copy passes online at Discover Your Northwest or the US Geological Survey Store. 

Additional information about the Northwest Forest Pass is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/passes. 

The Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region offers places for hiking, biking, skiing, nature viewing, scenic drives, and for gathering forest products such as mushrooms, firewood, and Christmas trees. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free. However, some do require fees or permits to help maintain, manage and improve your national forests and grasslands. Requirements may vary. 

Each year on designated Fee-Free Days the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. Upcoming 2025 Fee Free dates include: National Get Outdoors Day: June 14, 2025, Juneteenth: June 19, 2025, National Public Lands Day: September 27, 2025, and Veterans Day: November 11, 2025.

For more information about the USDA Forest Service visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mid Oregon Credit Union has once again been recognized as the #1 Credit Union in Oregon, earning this honor for the third straight year on the esteemed Forbes 2025 list of America’s Best Credit Unions in Each State.

This accolade, awarded in partnership with market research firm Statista, highlights Mid Oregon’s commitment to outstanding member service and community engagement.  

“I am so proud of our Mid Oregon team for being Oregon’s Top Credit Union for the third straight year, and so appreciative of our members for taking the time to recognize our employees for the exceptional service they provide,” said Kevin Cole, President, and CEO of Mid Oregon. “When people join Mid Oregon, they make an investment of trust in us. We are committed to doing everything we can to be worthy of that trust and to helping Central Oregon communities thrive.” 

Mid Oregon’s success can be attributed to several key highlights, including: 

World-Class Member Satisfaction: Consistently achieving high scores that reflect a positive member experience and loyalty. 

Competitive Rates: Offering attractive rates on savings accounts, diverse loan products, and mortgages, providing significant value to members. 

Tailored Business Solutions: Delivering specialized financial tools and services designed to support the unique needs of local businesses. 

Robust Community Outreach & Financial Education: Actively participating in and supporting Central Oregon communities through impactful programs and financial literacy initiatives. 

Industry-Leading Digital Banking: Providing innovative and convenient digital tools that ensure seamless and modern financial management for members. 

The selection process involved surveys from approximately 26,000 U.S. residents, who rated their financial institutions based on factors such as customer service, fees, digital offerings, financial advice provided by representatives, and the level of trust inspired by the organization. The final rankings were determined based on 80% of survey responses and 20% of online reviews. Online-only banks and credit unions were excluded, as well as larger institutions with branches in 15 or more states. 

The complete list of Forbes Best-In-State Credit Unions is available online at https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-credit-unions/.  

Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in and serving Central Oregonians since 1957. With over 50,000 members in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties and close to $779 million in assets, Mid Oregon partners with members to meet their financial needs and to help them achieve their dreams. Mid Oregon was named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington for 2022, 2023, and 2024. It was also ranked the #1 credit union in Oregon by Forbes for 2023 and 2024 and received the Bend Bulletin’s Best of the Best of Bend Community Choice Award in the credit union category for 2023 and 2024. For more information about its services and branch locations in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters, please visit midoregon.com. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the Alder Springs Fire blazes on in Central Oregon, its smoke is starting to affect our air quality.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality works with the Oregon Health Authority, along with other local agencies, to review fire behavior and determine its effects on air quality.

KTVZ News spoke with the DEQ on Tuesday about the Alder Springs fire, as well as how you can minimize the impact smoke has on your health.

Jennifer Horton, air quality coordinator for the DEQ, told KTVZ regarding the Alder Springs Fire, “It looks like that smoke is staying more local to the fire, at this point. We’re continuing to monitor that situation, and make sure that if there are going to be communities impacted by smoke, that we’re prepared to send that message out.”

The air quality index (AQI) is measured by particulate matter (PM). The number that follows ‘PM’ is a particle’s width in micrometers. PM 2.5 — about the size of a human hair — is considered the most dangerous as it can be inhaled deeply into lungs and into the bloodstream. That is the most concerning particle size for negative health effects, and it’s the component in smoke.

Many parts of Central Oregon have unique geography that can affect how smoke travels in certain areas.

“There are some river valleys in Central Oregon. As temperatures cool overnight, a lot of times smoke is pulled back down those river drainages towards communities,” said Horton.

If you are noticing smoke during the day, be sure to keep windows and doors closed at night, to lessen the impact.

Running your air conditioner will help filter the air within your home. Filters with a Merv rating 13 or higher will catch smoke particles, but ensure that your system can handle the strain first. If you do not have an air conditioner, the DEQ recommends air purifiers or creating your own filtration device with a box fan and filters.

The most beneficial thing you can do to protect yourself is to stay informed. KTVZ News Weather App is available free on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. It is consistently updated with fire and air quality alerts.

You can also check Central Oregon Fire’s website or Oregon’s AirNow. We also have an E::Space air quality map on the KTVZ.COM Weather page.

Limiting outdoor activities, especially strenuous, is also key. If you need to be outside, try to time your exposure to the lowest AQI level.

Chris Varley, a public information officer for DEQ, told KTVZ News, “Things can change really quickly. The air quality monitoring we have set up is designed to provide near-real-time information to Oregon residents. Paying attention to it helps you figure out a good time to maybe take the dog for a walk, or not.”

DEQ stresses how seriously they take their air quality ratings and alerts, especially during fire season.

Varley said, “It’s so much coordination work because air quality advisories often trigger different actions by our local partners. We want to make sure that they’re out and starting that process. We give residents the most information we can, so they can limit their exposure. The dog is going to need to go out for a walk, but there might be a better time to do that.”

For high-risk groups such as the elderly, very young, outdoor workers, or those with a pre-existing condition, keeping track of the AQI is even more critical. For those who require medication, ensure you have it refilled and on hand.

No matter your risk level, if you believe you are experiencing symptoms due to smoke, immediately contact your health care provider.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM. Ore. (KTVZ) – With hotter, drier conditions arriving early this year, Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation is urging residents to prepare now for an active 2025 wildfire season.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, fire activity has increased gradually since May, droughts have already intensified in the Northwest, and several significant fires have broken out recently.

“We are anticipating an active fire season,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Many people may not realize this, but more acres burned in Oregon last year than in the 2020 wildfires. Fortunately, there was not the same loss of life or structures. But it is extremely important for Oregonians do what they can to prepare their properties for this summer and fall. The weather is getting much warmer, and drier, which means the risk of wildfires is high.”

In the 2020s alone, Oregon wildfires have caused nearly $3 billion in estimated losses, which is more than the previous four decades combined.

The National Interagency Fire Center anticipates that in July, August and September, most of Oregon will be above normal in its fire activity.

What can you do to prepare? DFR has created a disaster toolkit on its website, which includes how to financially prepare for wildfire season, wildfire preparation for your home, and evacuation tips. The Oregon Department of Forestry also has good information on active wildfires in the state.

To save time, money, and stress, consider these steps before disaster strikes:

Review your insurance policies with your agent or company to ensure you are adequately protected. Many homeowners are unknowingly underinsured.

Build a home inventory. Take a video of the personal property in each room of your home and describe the items as you record. You can also use a home inventory app or a home inventory tool provided by your insurance company.

Gather copies of important documents such as titles, insurance policies, tax records, birth and marriage certificates, and Social Security cards. Store them in a password-protected cloud or with your emergency kit.

Make a list of account numbers and customer service contact information for insurance companies, banks, lenders, utilities, and landlords.

Set aside enough cash to get you and your family through the first several days after an emergency.

For more information, go to dfr.oregon.gov/preparenow.

“The more you can do before a wildfire hits your home, the better the recovery process can be,” Keen said. “When a fire strikes, there’s a lot of emotions involved, including fear, anger, and confusion, and having the right insurance policy, an inventory list and an overall plan can alleviate a lot of those fears.”

DFR also has a webpage dedicated to wildfire insurance resources. One area that often gets overlooked is how to make your home as fireproof as possible by creating defensible space by removing dry leaves, dead brush, debris, and pine needles from yards and gutters. Trim trees away from your home, barns, and sheds, and place screens over open vents on homes. These tasks reduce the fuels that enable wildfires to spread and give firefighters more time to slow the blaze.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website has more information about defensible space.

If damaged by wildfires, DFR’s consumer advocates are available to help with any insurance questions. You can reach them at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is reminding Oregonians that their votes can decide elections. As of Tuesday, the Secretary of State’s office has received notification that more than 25 races from the May 20th special district election are close enough to trigger an automatic hand recount. 

“I hear from a lot of people that they think their vote doesn’t matter, and here we have the undeniable proof that it does. These elections will have a major impact on Oregonians’ lives, from deciding how we manage our water to how we run schools and fight wildfires – and they’ll be decided by just a few votes,” said Secretary Read. 

“Thank you to our local elections officials and their teams who are working so hard to make sure every vote is counted accurately.” 

To find out more about recounts in your county, contact your local elections offices. 

Automatic vote recounts in the state of Oregon are required for the nomination or election of a person or to decide the outcome of a ballot measure when:  

There is a tie between candidates.

The vote margin is very close. Specifically, when the difference between the apparent winning candidate and the next is not more than 1/5th of one percent (i.e. 0.2%) or less, of the total votes for both of the candidates. 

The same margin rule (0.2% or less) also applies to ballot measures, such as initiatives or referendums, unless a ballot measure requires 50% voter turnout to be passed and turnout does not meet that threshold.

For example: If an initiative requires 50% voter turnout and only 48% of registered voters voted on it, there will not be an automatic recount, even if there is a small margin (such as 0.1%). 

All recounts in the state of Oregon must be done by a counting board, by hand. The counting board consists of a minimum of two county electors, and the electors must be registered with different political parties.  

The counting board:  

Determines the voter’s intent on each ballot.

Separates ballots into different stacks, based on the option selected on each ballot.

Counts the number of ballots in each stack. 

Both members of the counting board must count each stack individually, and both must agree on the number in each stack.  

Official observers are permitted to be present to observe the preliminary preparation and to observe the recount process but must not impede or interfere with the recount preparation or procedure. Official observers can include:  

Any and all affected candidates.

Any elector authorized in writing by an affected candidate.

An elector authorized in writing by each major or minor party.

An authorized observer designated by an official measure organization. 

“Oregon elections officials are committed to running honest, fair, and accurate elections. Controls like automatic recounts, regular audits, and the near-constant testing of elections equipment help us show the public that their votes count,” added Secretary Read. 

To date, the following counties have notified the Secretary of State’s office about recounts: 

Baker County will conduct an automatic recount for the West Eagle Valley Water Control District, At Large position on June 17, 2025. 

In Clatsop County, two recounts will be conducted on June 23, 2025 for the Seaside Rural Fire Protection district, Director, Position 2 and Arch Cape Domestic Water Supply District, Commissioner, Position 2. 

Coos County started an automatic recount for two races on June 16, 2025: 

Bunker Hill Rural Fire Protection District, Position 3 

Shelley Rd-Crest Acres Water District, Position 3 

In Crook County, the automatic recount for the Juniper Canyon Water Control District, Position 4 started on June 16, 2025.  

Deschutes County plans to complete an automatic recount for Laidlaw Water District, Director, Position 3 by June 20, 2025. 

In Grant County, there is an automatic recount on June 18, 2025 for the following districts: 

Grant County Transportation District 

John Day Rural Fire District 

Monument Cemetery District 

Long Creek School District, Position 5 

In Gilliam County, automatic recounts were triggered in Rock Creek Water Control District Director Zone 2 and Rock Creek Water Control District Zone 3. That recount was already held and completed on June 11, 2025. 

Klamath County plans to complete a recount for two director positions in the Modoc Point Sanitary District by June 18, 2025. 

Lake County started recounts on June 11, 2025 for Christmas Valley Rural Fire Protection District, Director, Position 3 and Christmas Valley Park and Recreation District, Director, Position 5. 

In Lane County, four recounts will begin on June 18, 2025 in the following districts: 

Dexter Sanitary District, Director, Position 3

Dexter Sanitary District, Director, Position 5

River Road Water Control, Directors, Positions 1 – 5

South Lane School District, Director, Position 7

Linn County started recounts for the following districts on June 16, 2025: 

Denver-Conner Water Control District Position 6 

Little Muddy Creek Water Control District Position 3 

Little Muddy Creek Water Control District Position 5 

In Tillamook County, a recount for Ballot Measure 29 – 183 was started on June 11, 2025 and recounts for the following districts began the next day on June 12, 2025:  

Nedonna Rural Fire Protection District – Director, Position 4 

Beaver Water District – Commissioner, Position 4 

Twin Rocks Water District – Commissioner, Position 4 

Cloverdale Sanitary District – Director, Position 3 

All recounts in Tillamook County are now complete. 

Umatilla County will be conducting a recount on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 for two tied write-in races: 

McKay Dam Fire, Position 5 

Milton-Freewater Valley Ambulance District, Position 5 

Wasco County started a recount for the Tygh Valley Rural Fire Protection District, Position 1 on June 16, 2025. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Killian Pacific, a Pacific Northwest real estate developer and placemaker, has attracted and secured two long-term retail leases – Sisters-based Sisters Coffee Company and California-based Drybar – at Jackstraw, a 313-unit mixed-use residential and retail project nearing completion.

Here’s the rest of the full announcement from Killian Pacific:

Centrally located between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District and spanning a 4.7-acre site at Industrial Way and Lava Road, Jackstraw is adjacent to Bend’s Box Factory retail center. As Jackstraw nears completion, residential pre-leasing begins in July and move-in availability is October. Once complete, Jackstraw will serve as a vibrant new hub for retail, living, and community connection.

Sisters Coffee will open its second Bend location, a 2,230-square-foot café on Jackstraw’s ground floor. It will offer an expansive food menu and a curated selection of specialty coffee drinks, merchandise and pastries to building residents and the Bend community.

The Sisters Coffee flagship café was founded in 1989 in Sisters and operates three award-winning cafes throughout the state: in Sisters, in Bend’s Old Mill District, and in Portland’s Pearl District, plus a new Roastery in Sisters.

“The opportunity to bring a second location of Sisters Coffee, a beloved, local, premium coffee purveyor to Jackstraw is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our residents and for the broader Bend community. This family-run, nationally recognized coffee business, which is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, aligns perfectly with our goal to create a hub where culture, community, and local lifestyle converge,” said Killian Pacific Director of Development Cassidy Bolger.

“We are thrilled to partner with Killian Pacific, at Jackstraw, on a community-driven project that creates a destination gathering space for everyone to enjoy. We’re incredibly grateful for how supportive the Bend area has been of our brand for many years, and excited to continue pursuing our mission of creating an authentic coffee experience built on a deep love of our craft and a heartfelt kindness for the people we serve,” said Jared Durham, Sisters Coffee Company co-owner with siblings Justin Durham and Jesse Durham. 

Jackstraw will link with the Box Factory through a plaza-like street shared by pedestrians, bicyclists and low-speed vehicles, now called “Lava Pass.” This private street design will present the ability to close a section of Lava Road between the two properties for events, concerts, markets, and more. Sisters Coffee will be open in late 2025 or early 2026, and it will be located in the heart of Lava Pass.

Drybar, a California-based chain of salons that provide a hair styling service known as blowouts, will open a 1,879-square-foot salon on Jackstraw’s ground floor. Co-founded in 2010 by Alli Webb, a New York Times bestselling author, Drybar is now a multi-million-dollar company with more than 150 salons across the United States. The franchisees of this Drybar location at Jackstraw are two women based in Eugene, Oregon.

“Drybar is a nationally recognized, highly sought-after lifestyle brand with numerous national awards from publications including Inc. Magazine, Fast Company and Marie Claire. We are thrilled to bring this salon to Jackstraw, and we’re pleased to support its first location in Bend. Drybar is hyper-focused on service, providing a premier experience to every single client, and this approach to first-class customer service is a retail asset to our residential community and to the greater Bend area,” said Bolger.

Drybar will open its first salon in Bend in early 2026 and will be located on Industrial Way. Drybar has two other locations in Oregon, in Eugene and Happy Valley.

“We are thrilled to open our second Drybar location in Bend! Bend has won a piece of our hearts and we look forward to expanding from our hometown in Eugene, to now being a part of the beautiful Bend community. We think Drybar Bend is going to be a huge success and we could not be happier securing this unrivaled location at Jackstraw,” said Drybar Owner Lori Harrison Andersen.

Locally owned and based in Bend, Compass Commercial Real Estate Services provides retail brokerage and property management services for Jackstraw and the Box Factory.

Jackstraw has been under construction since Spring 2023 and is now 80 percent finished. It has a mix of apartments and townhomes, offering plenty of room and ample storage for everything from bikes to oversized fishing kayaks, modern design, parking for residents, interior courtyards, and refined spaces.

Jackstraw strives to bring new life to the neighborhood with seven stories of apartment homes and resident amenities, including a fitness center and a rooftop lounge looking toward the Cascade Range, a terrace overlooking Lava Road and the Box Factory, landscaped gardens, a resident lounge, and multiple co-working areas. The ground floor will feature 18,000 square feet of retail space, providing a vibrant mix of local shops, restaurants, and services – designed to bring new energy to the Southern Crossing neighborhood.

For more information about Jackstraw, please visit https://www.jackstrawbend.com/

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Barney Lerten

KTVZ, a supporter of the event, will be streaming the show, as well as Redmond’s

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pilot Butte State Park will experience partial closures July 1-5 in preparation for the Fourth of July fireworks display, which is held at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4. 

KTVZ is a supporter of this year’s fireworks show and will be streaming the event, as well as Redmond’s show, on KTVZ+ and on KTVZ News at 10:00 p.m. on Fox.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department asked Tuesday that you please observe the following closures and restrictions:

Vehicle traffic: The access road to the summit will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 10 p.m. July 1 to the afternoon of July 5.

Pedestrians: Trails and roadways will be accessible to pedestrians only July 1-3 and closed entirely for all July 4. Trails will reopen the afternoon of July 5. The summit will be closed to all but authorized personnel July 1 to July 5 (afternoon).

All: Access to all trails and roadways will be closed on July 4 through the afternoon of July 5. No access will be permitted. Security and law enforcement will be on site to enforce restrictions. This is for everyone’s safety and security.

The park will reopen to all when the clean-up process has been completed on the afternoon of July 5.  Please respect the closed areas for your safety and the safety of those working to set up the fireworks. Visitors will not be allowed into the closed areas at any time.

The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte, off Linnea Drive, will be open during the fireworks show. Please do not block any emergency access roads or public/private streets, as this can delay a response to an emergency.

Oregon State Parks and Bend Fire & Rescue remind everyone that pets are not permitted in the park during the show.

The fireworks show is presented each year as a gift to the community from Subaru of Bend and their partners. Local Scout troops help clean up the fireworks each year after the show.

“I want to give a huge thank you to Bend Fire & Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service & Oregon Department of Forestry for assisting with the fire safety on the butte during the show. Without their support each year, this show would not be possible,” said Park Manager Brian Vaughan.

For more information, contact Oregon State Parks at (541) 388-6055 or Bend Fire & Rescue at (541) 322-6386

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, held on Saturday with more than 300 graduates in attendance, included the naming of four student award recipients: Brad Bennett, Betsy Green, Kaia Hagenbach and Nasadia Voltz.

In full, 759 degrees and certificates are being awarded this academic year at COCC: 598 degrees and 161 certificates.

Kaia Hagenbach, of Bend, received the Walter G. Coombs Distinguished Achievement Award, which recognizes the student who maintains the highest scholastic average among those receiving a certificate of completion. Hagenbach earned certificates in graphic design and illustration while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Betsy Green, of Bend, merited the COCC Distinguished Student Service Award, an honor presented to the student who exhibits a strong contribution to the campus though innovative initiatives, volunteerism, leadership and academic excellence. Green has held leadership roles in student government and in student clubs such as the Q+ and Umbrella Clubs, and also served as an admissions ambassador. She earned an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree and is planning a career in higher education.

Nasadia Voltz, of Bend, received the Avon F. Mayfield Award, presented to a student who displays progress in scholarship, quality of leadership, contribution to student welfare, progress toward useful and active citizenship and outstanding service. Voltz, a first-generation college student, received an associate of applied science degree in addiction counseling and behavioral health. She has been an advocate for others, pushing for change in addiction recovery and highlighting harm reduction.

Brad Bennett, of Bend, received the Helen Leicester Honorary Scholastic Award, a COCC award that honors the student who receives an associate degree while maintaining the highest GPA with the highest number of credits. While earning an associate of applied science in paramedicine, Bennett maintained a straight 4.0 GPA with 94 credits earned. He is currently a state-certified paramedic and working as a firefighter-paramedic with Crook County Fire & Rescue.

The commencement ceremony featured student speaker Irving Daniel of Bend who earned his GED through COCC and went on to receive certification training as a peer support specialist and a certificate in community health, leading to a job as a residential counselor in behavioral health. Daniel led a campus-wide binge-drinking awareness campaign. He plans to pursue an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree in public health and then transfer to a university.

Central Oregon Community College is celebrating 75 years of opportunity. Founded in 1949, COCC — Oregon’s first community college — marks a major milestone this academic year (2024-25) of bringing higher learning, connection and enrichment to the region.

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