Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

SALEM. Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority announced Wednesday it has hired former St. Charles Health System President and CEO James Diegel as the interim superintendent for Oregon State Hospital. His first day will be June 4.

Diegel will take over from Acting Superintendent Dave Baden, OHA deputy director of policy and programs, who has served in the interim role since April 14.

“Jim brings years of expertise, skill and compassion as a hospital administrator in Oregon, Hawaii and Washington, D.C., and has valued experience working with regulatory agencies like The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission,” said OHA Interim Director Kris Kautz.

“I am confident he will lead the hospital through the ongoing CMS survey process with successful results, as well as continue to build off the work plan Dave has started and continue to help the OSH team ensure that all patients receive the care they deserve in a safe environment,” Kautz added

Diegel was president and CEO of St. Charles for eight years before stepping down in 2014. The Lund Report noted that Diegel helped facilitate the merger of the Bend and Redmond hospitals in 2001, and oversaw the health system’s strategy and growth to include facilities in Bend, Redmond, Prineville and Madras.

And Oregon Live/The Oregonian pointed out Diegel is the third interim superintendent of the state’s struggling psychiatric hospital in just over a year.

OHA said the recruitment process for a permanent superintendent is ongoing. It said Diegel’s role as interim director will enable the hospital and its staff to continue executing steps laid out by Acting Superintendent Dave Baden. Baden will continue his role as OHA deputy director.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Boulder, Colorado-based Vero Broadband, LLC, operating as Vero Fiber, a leading provider of fiber-to-the-premises internet services, announced Wednesday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BendTel, Inc.., a locally owned and operated telecom provider that has served Central Oregon for more than two decades.

“This strategic acquisition complements Vero’s ongoing organic expansion in Central Oregon and establishes a key foothold in one of the fastest-growing markets in the Pacific Northwest,” the joint news release stated. The purchase price was not disclosed in the release, which continues in full below:

BendTel brings a long-standing reputation for reliable enterprise connectivity and voice services, built on deep roots in the Bend business community. The company owns and operates a robust fiber network, serving a wide range of residential and commercial clients across the region.

With the addition of BendTel’s infrastructure and customer base, Vero is significantly expanding its regional capabilities while continuing to invest in building new fiber infrastructure throughout Deschutes County. 

“We’ve been actively building our footprint in Bend, and this acquisition accelerates that momentum,” said Sunita Krishna, CEO of Vero Broadband. “BendTel has a strong legacy in Bend and a deep understanding of the local business landscape. We’re excited to bring our resources and experience to scale that foundation while maintaining the local service customers have come to trust.” 

The acquisition represents Vero’s latest step in executing its strategy of blending strategic acquisitions with organic growth to meet the rising demand for fiber connectivity. 

“As Bend continues to grow, we want to continue to offer our high-standard services to a broader community,” said Tom Barrett, CEO of BendTel. “Joining Vero allows us to expand faster and bring even greater value to our customers. Their commitment to community-focused growth and network excellence makes them an ideal partner.” 

The acquisition is expected to be completed on September 1, 2025. 

— 

About Vero Broadband, LLC 

Vero Broadband, the fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) division of VFN Holdings, Inc., is committed to expanding high-speed broadband access in underserved communities through its fiber-based retail offerings for both residential and business customers. In addition to its broadband services, Vero’s portfolio includes a wholesale division specializing in the design, construction, and management of dark fiber infrastructure for hyperscale cloud providers, K–12 schools (E-Rate), government entities, enterprises, and wireless and wireline carriers. Vero also provides a comprehensive suite of internet services to multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and fiber construction services to both in-house brands and third-party customers. Operating nationwide, Vero’s diverse portfolio encompasses Vero Fiber, Vero Networks, Clearnetworx, Deeply Digital, Glass Roots Construction, FastTrack Communications, and Nexgen Connected Communities. For more information, visit www.verofiber.com. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend announced Wednesday that Katy Brooks, who has served as the Bend Chamber’s president and CEO for nine years, is coming aboard as the city’s new economic development officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katy to our team, bringing a wealth of deep experience in economic development in both public and private sectors to help drive our city’s vision for economic prosperity,” said City Manager Eric King said in Wednesday’s announcement.

“With a proven track record leading transformative initiatives such as establishing a workforce homeownership fund and forming the Central Oregon Business Alliance to unify regional economic forces, Katy will lead the charge in implementing innovative strategies that empower our community, strengthen our local economy, and ensure opportunities for Bend’s businesses and residents,”

Here’s what the city had to say about her new role:

The Economic Development Officer will spearhead the development and execution of forward-thinking strategies designed to empower our community, bolster the local economy, and expand opportunities for all. This is in alignment with a new goal for the 2025-2027 biennium set by the Bend City Council to develop and implement strategies that increase community prosperity through job growth, workforce development and livable wages.

Visit the City of Bend’s Economic Development Department webpage for more information.

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Tracee Tuesday

(update: ordinance 543 approved, new video)

SISTERS, Ore. [KTVZ] — The City of Sisters held their City Council meeting Wednesday night.  

On the agenda was a significant topic, that Sisters’ residents said, may well protect their homes and town.   

The vote was unanimous by: Mayor Jennifer Letz, Council President Sarah McDougall, Council Member Cheryl Pellerin, and Council Member Gary Ross, who was not in attendance but was seen on Zoom. 

The Sisters City Council has officially adopted Ordinance No. 543, Defensible Spaces, an amendment to the Sisters Development Code, aimed at enhancing wildfire safety in the growing community. 

Ordinance No. 543 include properties, structures, all buildings, and detached accessory structures, whether individually or cumulatively, lot coverage, of 200 square feet or greater. 

The defensible space area standards vary based on the species of grasses, shrubs, and trees and types of combustible materials with species on the prohibited Flammable Plant List, restricted further than those not listed.  

The defensible space area standards also vary, based on distance from the new buildings ranging from: 0-5 feet, 5-30 feet, and beyond 30 feet from the new building. No vegetation should be within those specified distances from the structure. 

However, this Ordinance only applies to new development, said Principal Planner, Matthew Martin.   

“So right now we have standard landscaping standards, setbacks from, other property lines and other buildings on properties, but this goes a step further, and really right now, we’re focusing in this effort to apply it to new construction.” 

Marting goes on to say: “Now, is there an effort and an opportunity to increase the defensible space and opportunities for resilience of existing built environments? Sure, but we’re limited in what we can do with the Development code, so we’re looking at other opportunities to address the existing built environment too.” 

City officials say the change is a proactive step to protect homes and infrastructure, particularly as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across the west. 

But what about updating a defensible space code with existing homes and structures. 

“Yeah, it will be code changes. I think it’s really difficult for a city, but also citizens to have different codes and different parts of the community. We’d like to have it as homogenous as possible,” said Sisters Mayor, Jennifer Letz. 

The City of Sister says there are existing Municipal Codes on the books to protect existing structures.  

Defensible Spaces has been a hot topic these past few years. But, as wildfires continue to evolve, it’s important that the public get out and educate themselves on how to protect their homes. 

Previous Information:

The Sisters City Council will convene Wednesday evening to discuss several agenda items, including adopting Ordinance 543, which will amend the city’s development code to implement defensible space standards. 

The council previously approved the defensible space text amendments two weeks ago and on Wednesday evening is holding a public hearing on the associated ordinances.

Among other changes, a Fire Prevention and Control Plan will be required for new subdivisions and site plan reviews. Some highly flammable plants and trees would be prohibited within 30 feet of new buildings, while allowing shrubs and trees that are more fire-resistant.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

Jillian Fortner has a report on KTVZ News at Six

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A mobile dermatology clinic is making dermatological care more accessible in Central Oregon.

Throughout May, Project Happy Face has provided free skin cancer screenings and treatment services at the Bend Farmers Market.

Farmers, ranchers and those who work outdoors are among the most at-risk populations for skin cancer, due to prolonged sun exposure.

“We vendors, we do five markets a week. So we’re out exposed daily,” Shelley Akers, co-owner of Bohemian Roastery, said Wednesday.

The nonprofit organization aims to eliminate cost, transportation, and access barriers, delivering life-saving care to the people who feed our community.

Project Happy Face founder Amy Snow said, “We know that they’re outside the year-round all day. We know that a lot of them are living in underserved communities. So it was really advantageous to meet at the market and be able to screen all of them in a central location.”

The clinic has screened more than 100 people this month and detected potential skin concerns.

“The key really is early detection and educating everybody on what to look for,” Snow said.

The co-owner of Crow’s Croft in Redmond is grateful she was able to get screenings for herself and her husband.

“Everything was clean for me, but for my husband, they actually found that they were concerned about,” vendor Zoey Oquist said. “So they cut it out. So we’ll get results hopefully in the next week or two,” said vendor Zoey Oquist.

Vendors say the screening was quick and simple.

“Having this readily available where we can stop for a second, take five minutes to do the screening and find out if we have something on our skin or not. And then, go right back to what we loved doing was really awesome.”

Project Happy Face also will be offering screenings this weekend at A Time of Hope event.

The cancer awareness walk and community gathering in Prineville aims to raise money for support services in Crook County.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Tuesday night, the Redmond City Council (Councilor Kathryn Osborne and Councilor Jay Patrick were absent) approved $117,784,847 in construction and design funding for Redmond Airport’s Terminal Expansion Project. 

The project is being funded through a combination of federal and state grants, loans, and the airport’s own revenue.  

Redmond Airport Director Zachary Bass says the expansion will rival that of other major airports across the country.  

“If you’re not already aware, hopefully you are. You know, we’re going to be adding 80,000 feet of new concourse with seven bridges, tripling the size of our retail food options.” 

Just how will this new expansive space be filled? 

“We do know that there’s 6000 feet of new retail concessions. Now, what exactly might that look like and what restaurants are going to be in there, or let’s say quick grab and go, etc… Not sure yet, but that should be coming out fully in the next few months,” said Bass. 

Redmond City Councilor John Neilsen, who also serves on the Airport Committee, advised travelers and residents to be patient through the construction phase.  

“I think people are going to have to expect to arrive earlier. There are going to be some pain points. There’s going to be some frustration in the short term. But i think in the long term, the addition of the jet bridges, the increased holding signs and all the additional entities will be more beneficial and will really pay off in the long run.”  

Airport Director Bass said though adding routes are always being discussed, it won’t be a part of the new expansion.  He also said, if he had a wish list of air carriers that he’d like to see fly in and out of Redmond Airport, there’s one, specifically. 

“We’re always looking to a new airline, and Southwest has been at the top of that list for a little while.” 

Redmond’s Airport Director said some federal funds are attached to this project. He says if the funds are pulled or they become unavailable, they will have a backup plan, as in backup funding sources they can take from.  

In the meantime, how long will this project take to complete today? Two years.   

To stay up to date on the latest information, check out the airport’s website.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

CLARNO, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to more accurate mapping, the Butte Creek Fire that broke out over the weekend on the east side of the John Day River, 9 miles north of Clarno, has been downsized to about 1,776 acres.

“Firefighters are engaged in active fire suppression activities,” Central Oregon fire officials said in Tuesday’s update. The fire earlier was estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 acres.

Resources on scene Tuesdsay include two interagency hotshot crews, one wildland fire module crew, interagency engines, bulldozers, Wheeler County and South Gilliam County engines, and multiple aircraft.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

No evacuations or closures are currently in place. Boaters in the general area are asked to use caution as helicopters will continue dipping water out of the John Day River.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pacific Power announced Monday it will carry out two more planned power interruptions in northeast Bend this Thursday and Friday nights.

Communications specialist Omar Granados told KTVZ News the interruption on Thursday night will start around 11 p.m. and last up to 15 minutes. Friday night’s planned outage will start around midnight, also lasting up to 15 minutes.

Both service interruptions will affect 6,530 customers in the area of Highway 20 and Mountain View High School, Granados said, and those affected will be notified by customer service.

“These planned interruptions are necessary to perform maintenance on equipment in facilities,” Granados said. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our customers and our employees while this work is underway. We understand the inconvenience of an interruption and will make every effort to minimize its impacts.”

Two similar outages last month affected the same group of customers served by the Pilot Butte substation.

For more information, contact Pacific Power Customer Service at 1-888-221-7070.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Annual campfire restrictions go into effect on Sunday, June 1 on some BLM-administered lands in Central Oregon. Campfires will be prohibited along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day and White rivers, as well as along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

Here’s the full announcement received by KTVZ News:

“Our No. 1 goal is protecting public and employee safety,” said James Osborne, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Prineville District. “We are excited that people are getting out and enjoying the rivers. Reducing the risk of human-caused wildfire helps us be good neighbors.”

The closures prohibit campfires, charcoal fires. or any other type of open flame. That includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet-burning devices.

Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner. Under the restrictions, smoking is not allowed, except inside vehicles or on the water.

“The river canyons present a combination of limited access, grassy fuels that dry out quickly, and steep slopes that allow wildfires to spread rapidly,” Osborne added.

The restrictions will remain in effect until October 15. A violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.

For details on campfire closures and specific locations on BLM lands, call the Prineville BLM District Office at (541) 416-6700. People can also visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire or https://centraloregonfire.org/ for more information about these closures and other fire restrictions throughout Oregon.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Construction is scheduled to begin next week on the Bear Creek & 27th Street Improvements Project, including Bend’s next roundabout, the city said Tuesday.

Here’s the full announcement, including a chance to learn more and ask questions later this week:

Full closure of the intersection at Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road and Purcell Boulevard starts Monday, June 2 for utility installation and construction of a new roundabout. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to use the posted detour route.

The city will be hosting a Preconstruction Information Booth 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 at Desert Streams Church Parking Lot, 62010 SE 27th Street.

City staff will be available to describe elements of the project, including what to expect during construction and how access to the area will be impacted. Community members are invited to stop by to ask questions and learn more about the construction project.

Project information, including a detour map, is available at bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th.

The city says the Bear Creek Road and 27th Street Improvements Project will provide safer connections for pedestrians and bicycles traveling between neighborhoods, schools, parks and trails, and add a new roundabout at Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road and Purcell Boulevard to improve traffic flow and safety.

The project will construct the following improvements:

A new roundabout at the intersection of Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road, and Purcell Boulevard

Water and Sewer Improvements

Shared-use path for bikers and pedestrians on the north side of Bear Creek Road from Cessna Drive to the Bend Urban Growth Boundary

Shared-use path for bikers and pedestrians on the west side of 27th Street between Bear Creek Road and Reed Market Road

Trail connection between the 15th Street and Bear Creek Road roundabout and the Coyner Trail to connect the existing Larkspur and Coyner trails.

For more information about the project, visitbendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th.

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