Category: ktvz-local-news

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College’s board of directors has approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Classified Association of COCC (CACOCC/OEA), following union members who resoundingly approved a deal last week that averted a planned strike.

The agreement was reached during last-minute, mediated talks just hours before a possible first-ever walkout by classified employees was set to begin. More than 100 classified workers “resoundingly” approved the three-year contract, with 91% of union members participating in the vote and 98% voting in favor.

All seven members of the board approved the agreement Wednesday evening during the monthly meeting on the COCC Bend campus. With both ratification and board approval complete, COCC will begin implementing the terms of the agreement.

The three-year agreement runs retroactively from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, and includes a combination of wage increases, benefit changes and enhancements to working conditions for classified employees. The agreement provides wage increases of 6% in the first year, followed by 4.5% increases in each of the subsequent two years, along with an additional 2% step increase annually. In total, the agreement represents approximately $1.9 million in increased wages and benefits over the life of the contract.

The agreement also includes updates to employee benefits, including a transition to tiered insurance rates beginning in October 2026, as well as continued employer support for health care coverage. Additional contract updates address areas such as non-discrimination protections, grievance procedures, health and safety practices, leave policies and part-time employee benefits.

“This agreement supports our valued employees while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the college,” said Erica Skatvold, chair of the COCC board of directors. “We, the board of directors, have always sought to support and compensate our classified staff fairly. We are committed to moving forward together in service of our students and community.”

“The members of CACOCC applaud the agreement that was ratified with 91% voter participation and 98% approval,” said Jen Chance, senior enrollment specialist and member of the college’s Extended Senior Leadership Team. “This contract will help COCC retain more of our talented and dedicated classified staff in the jobs they love, while most importantly maintaining their high-caliber support and service to students. We are grateful to be in a position to take the next steps forward towards positive change to grow together as a stronger unit and a stronger COCC.”

COCC will begin implementing the agreement immediately, including retroactive compensation adjustments to July 1, 2025, and updates to payroll, benefits and human resources systems. The college remains focused on supporting students, employees and the broader Central Oregon community as the agreement is implemented.

The college will continue to share updates as the ratification process moves forward at cocc.edu/negotiations.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s Good News: A heartwarming reunion at Brightside Animal Center happened this week in Redmond.

Last week, in our Furry Friends segment, we featured Captain Patch–an adorable pup found in Crooked River Ranch. Patch was at the shelter for more than three weeks, before something special happened.

As it turns out, Captain Patch didn’t need a new home.

BrightSide highlighted him on their Instagram account Tuesday and were shocked at what came of it.

According to the shelter, a friend of Captain Patch’s owner saw BrightSide’s post and passed the word along. Because of that, Captain Patch’s dad found him! Apparently he had been lost.

Take a look at the sweet moments from their reunion Wednesday:

We’re so happy you two are back together!

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ). — From questions about what the city’s transportation fee funds during a dry winter to the Bend Tree Project volunteer opportunity, KTVZ asked Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler your pressing questions.

Mayor Kebler also spoke on three upcoming events the City of Bend would like you to know about:

Fault Lines Film and Panel Discussion

Tuesday, April 28th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tower Theatre in Downtown Bend

Free, tickets available on Tower Theatre website

CityFest at First Friday

Friday, May 1st, 5-7 p.m.

Parking lot outside of LIFT in Downtown Bend

Free, also free parking at the Centennial Garage from 4-8 p.m.

Public Works Grand Opening and Public Art Exhibition

Thursday, May 14th, 4-7 p.m.

Public Works Campus, 21051 NE Talus Place

Free, family friendly activities

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Kebler at any time as part of our exclusive monthly segment and have your question featured on next months live visit to the studio. Just click here.

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Matthew Draxton

TERREBONNE, Ore. — Smith Rock State Park will come alive Saturday, April 25, 2026, as volunteers gather for the 34th Annual Spring Thing — the largest climber-led stewardship event of the year.

Hosted by the Smith Rock Group (SRG), Spring Thing brings together climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to preserve and restore one of Oregon’s most iconic landscapes. The daylong event focuses on hands-on projects that protect natural resources for future generations.

In partnership with Oregon State Parks, Smith Rock State Park, the High Desert Climbers Alliance, and several other local organizations, SRG will lead roughly 25 projects across the park — from trail maintenance and trash pickup to habitat restoration. A major focus this year will be the repair and rebuilding of the steps around the popular Rope de Dope area, a favorite spot for climbers.

Last year’s Spring Thing saw more than 330 volunteers contribute over 1,800 hours of work, making a lasting impact on the park’s trails, climbing routes, and natural habitats.

After the workday wraps up, volunteers can enjoy an afternoon celebration featuring vendor booths, free food and drinks, and a chance to connect with the outdoor community. The evening will end with a raffle and live auction to raise money for future stewardship projects. Past prizes have included original artwork, outdoor gear, and gift certificates from local businesses.

Event organizers say the day embodies the spirit of community and conservation that defines Smith Rock.

Those interested in volunteering or covering the event can contact the Smith Rock Group at dustinebel@smithrockgroup.org.

The full press release is below:

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Another longtime Bend restaurant has unexpectedly closed its doors.

The combination Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon location is now permanently shut down. A note posted on the door does not provide an explanation for the sudden closure. Instead, the message thanks the community for more than 30 years of support. The shutdown appears to have happened abruptly, as products can still be seen sitting on shelves inside the store.

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Campbell Porter

(Update: This article has been corrected to reflect the proper name of Fire Chief Tony Prior)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District has been recognized for its exceptional efforts during the 2025 Flat Fire, receiving a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley presented the flag to Fire Chief Tony Prior in recognition of the district’s work protecting lives and property throughout the Sisters Country during the wildfire.

The district said the honor represents far more than one agency. During the Flat Fire, 87 agencies united with the shared goal of protecting homes and communities across Central Oregon. That collaboration helped save countless homes and lives.

“This recognition represents far more than our district alone. During the Flat Fire, 87 agencies came together with a shared mission—protect lives, homes, and the Sisters Country we all love,” the district said in a statement, “because of that collaboration, countless homes were saved.”

Officials expressed deep gratitude to Senator Merkley for the meaningful tribute and for honoring the collective effort that defined the community’s response to the fire.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police have officially activated new automatic traffic cameras at three intersections as part of a pilot program aimed at improving safety and reducing crashes. Below is a map showing where these new cameras are located.

KTVZ News spoke to Bend Police to understand how the cameras work.

Each intersection now has several cameras operating in different ways. A lower-quality video camera passively records the intersection, while two additional cameras activate when a driver speeds or runs a red light, capturing both the front and back license plates of the vehicle.

Captain Brian Beekman with Bend Police said the system is designed to help address community concerns about reckless driving and limited officer availability.

“I’ve gone to several recent community townhall forums where the number one issue from residents is traffic safety,” Beekman said. “We have a limited number of officers. We can’t be everywhere at once. This is a multi-pronged approach the City Council and police department are taking to try and improve overall safety.”

Bend Police own and manage all the data and video collected by the cameras. The department plans several public presentations to explain how the technology works and answer questions.

The next meeting is scheduled for this Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Larkspur Community Center.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters City Council held a town hall meeting Wednesday night, focusing on several proposals that could directly impact residents and businesses. Among the main topics: a discussion on potential rate hikes for trash and municipal solid waste services, and updates on the Northwest Park project.

Republic Services, the city’s waste provider, gave a presentation outlining proposed changes to service rates. However, several councilors said the information lacked clarity.

Councilor Gary Ross expressed frustration with the lack of detail, saying the proposal did not provide enough data to make a financial decision.

“I don’t make monetary decisions on partial information,” Ross said, noting that the presentation seemed vague and inconsistent when comparing increases and decreases in rates.

No decision was made during the meeting. Republic Services plans to return in the coming months with additional information before any rate changes are considered. Council members emphasized that discussions are still ongoing and no rate increase has been approved.

In other business, the council formally accepted a report outlining goals for the Northwest Park project. Next steps include developing a full master plan, which is expected to be presented later this year. That plan will shape the project’s future direction, leaning more toward a traditional community park rather than earlier ideas for a large pavilion.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — If conditions are favorable on Thursday, the Deschutes National Forest plans to continue prescribed burning operations on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters Ranger Districts.

Firefighters on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District plan to conduct up to 365 acres on the Tiddlywinks 4 and 2B Prescribed Burn units located one mile west of Bend on the west side of Forest Service Road (FSR) 41 and south of the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Ignitions are planned for 9:30 a.m. A pilot car will be in place on FSR 41 providing escorted access through the prescribed burn area. The following trail and road closures will be in place:

Storm King from the junction with Tiddlywinks and Funner east to FSR 41

Catch & Release from the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station south to the junction with FSR 41-600

FSR 41-100

FSR 41-530

Closures will remain in place for multiple days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen trails once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

Smoke will be visible from FSR 41, Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend and the surrounding area. Residents in Bend and along the Deschutes River drainage including Sunriver and La Pine are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Sisters Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct 40 acres of ignitions on the Flymon 7 Prescribed Burn located 10 miles northeast of Camp Sherman and six miles southeast of Lake Billy Chinook. While no road or trail closures are anticipated, FSR 11 will serve as the western control line of the prescribed burn. People driving in the area should slow down and use caution as firefighting personnel will be working in the area.

Ignitions are planned for 10 a.m. Residents in the Three Rivers subdivision and surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. 

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit centraloregonfire.org/protect-your-health for more smoke preparedness resources.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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Harley Coldiron

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members are invited to a special ribbon-cutting celebration for the opening of the new St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond on Thursday, April 16 at 4 p.m. The new Cancer Center, which will open for patients on Monday, April 20, expands access to nationally recognized cancer care for residents of Redmond, Madras, Prineville, Sisters, Warm Springs, Culver, and beyond. 

“After years of planning and construction, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art Cancer Center, which will be a place of hope and healing for patients, loved ones, and caregivers alike,” said Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles Health System. “This major expansion brings care closer to home for many of our cancer patients, some of whom are traveling 50 miles a day for treatment at our Cancer Center in Bend.” 

The 53,000 square-foot facility in Redmond will serve up to 300 patients a day and includes clinical space for radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and integrative therapies. 

“The opening of this center is a dream more than a decade in the making. For years, we have planned for this, as we saw the population of Central Oregon growing and the need for services expanding,” said Dr. Linyee Chang, executive medical director for the St. Charles Cancer Institute. “I’m thrilled to see this project through to completion, knowing how many patients will receive exceptional care within these walls.”

The Cancer Center in Redmond houses top-tier technology, including a brand-new True Beam Linear Accelerator to provide targeted radiation, as well as a CT Simulation and brachytherapy suite. One highlight of the center is a second-story infusion room, with large picture windows featuring views of the Cascade Range.  

“The Cancer Center is designed to house advanced technologies while incorporating designs that emphasize patient comfort and healing, like natural light and the use of natural materials,” said Mari Shay, service line administrator for Cancer Services at St. Charles. 

The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, appetizers and the chance for attendees to tour the new facility. The event begins at 4 p.m. at 180 NW Kingwood Ave., Redmond. 

Learn more about the Cancer Center in Redmond.

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