Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University-Cascades students will have new opportunities to gain valuable workplace experience through a new career accelerator program, the school announced Tuesday.

OSU-Cascades is one of a handful of universities from around the country selected to participate in the National Work-Integrated Learning Accelerator, which aims to help university institutions pilot scalable models of career-integrated learning that align with regional workforce needs.

Here’s the rest of the OSU-Cascades announcement:

The accelerator is a two-year project led by Arizona State University, a recognized leader in advancing student career preparation, and funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and Strada Education Foundation.

OSU-Cascades was selected in part for its success launching activities that integrate career readiness into the student experience, including the Cascades Edge career preparation program launched in 2023, and SnoPlanks Academy, where students lead and manage all functions of a snowboard company. The award will help launch similar opportunities in the coming years. 

Other participating universities, also noted for prioritizing undergraduates’ academic learning in conjunction with career preparation, include Bowling Green State University, Morgan State University, Rowan College at Burlington, University of Central Florida, University of Maryland Baltimore County and University of North Texas.

“At OSU-Cascades, our goal is for every student to graduate with the ability to articulate the leadership and career outcomes they’ve cultivated during their academic experience,” said Cynthia Engel, director of the OSU-Cascades’ Career Development Center. “Through the Work-Integrated Learning Accelerator pilot, we’ll scale that vision and design, test and build a dynamic and inclusive model that prepares students for even more meaningful and durable professional success — and work with employer partners to collaborate in that success.”

OSU-Cascades’ Work-Integrated Learning Accelerator pilot will be led by a cross-functional team of faculty, staff and administrators to include representatives from across degree fields, as well as information technology and industry relations experts. The team’s work will be guided by input from students and industry partners. 

The team will collaborate with ASU and participating institutions to co-develop and test innovative approaches to work-integrated learning, such as embedding work experiences into courses through micro-internships, project-based learning and employer challenges. 

The pilot will also consider future opportunities to take place within OSU-Cascades’ planned innovation district, which is designed to foster collaborations between the university, industry and the community. 

OSU-Cascades’ pilot activities are anticipated to launch in spring 2026.

Participating universities were each awarded $150,000 in funding to support startup costs and technology adoption.

Through learnings from the pilots, accelerator leaders at ASU will develop an open-access digital resource available to share with higher education institutions, employers and others.

The pilot at OSU-Cascades will support OSU’s strategic goal of becoming a university where every student graduates, and complement a new university-wide requirement launched in summer 2025 that ensures every student graduates with career skills and connections.

About OSU-Cascades:  Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —   Representative Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., held his second of two previously announced town halls on Wednesday evening.

During the town hall, he spoke about rural hospitals, rural schools and wolves. Additionally, the congressman was asked about timber and wildfires 

Bentz said: “This situation is becoming more and more difficult because the more fuel that we have in the woods, the more dangerous the fires are and the more difficult it is to put them out, and the more difficult it is to find anybody that wants to sell insurance to people who have homes anywhere in the neighborhood of a forest. And so these kinds of problems can only be addressed by reducing the amount of wood in the forest.”

Representative Bentz also took a question about nuclear power.

He said: “I support nuclear, completely. The question has always been with nuclear. How do we how do we ever actually get any of it in Oregon, any generation, when the Constitution years ago was amended to prohibit it? So the first thing that would have to happen in Oregon to make it happen is to change the constitution. and I think there’s some enthusiasm for doing so. I hope there is, because nuclear reactors, small nuclear reactors, I think are the future

The congressman was also asked by a constituent about the Jeffery Epstein investigation. 

 He reiterated his remarks from last week’s town-hall, saying that he supports Representative James Comer and the house oversight’s committee’s investigation, rather than Representative Thomas Massie’s discharge petition.

This town hall wrapped up the two he had scheduled after previously announcing that he will no longer be holding in person town halls due to the protests and disruptions that have taken place before.

Representative Bentz also shared some remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, condemning the assassin.

   

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KTVZ

McKENZIE BRIDGE, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 350 firefighters continued Tuesday to battle the 437-acre Foley Ridge Fire on the Willamette National Forest east of McKenzie Bridge. A 21-mile stretch of Highway 242 remained closed and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 2 (BE SET) evacuation alerts in the area.

Here is Tuesday’s daily update from fire officials:

Start Date: 09/06/2025

Percent Containment: 0%

Size: 437 Acres

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 353

Full suppression efforts continue on the southern and eastern flanks of the Foley Ridge Fire. Firefighters are actively engaged in securing the perimeter. Crews are patrolling and extinguishing hot spots along direct portions of handline and dozer line.

Increased activity was seen on the Western flank yesterday afternoon, crews were able to reinforce containment lines and secure the fires edge. Crews are still scouting and looking for any viable options for direct attack on the west flank of the fire.

On Highway 242, heavy equipment is conducting chipping operations, while engine crews lay hose to support containment. Due to these activities – and reduced visibility – a road closure is in effect from the Highway 126 junction to milepost 76.

Meanwhile, four helicopters are providing aerial support, performing water drops to cool the fire’s edge and slow its spread.

Strategic firing operations are taking place in small portions on the southern flank. These operations aim to eliminate ground fuels and create a buffer zone. This strategy employs a lower-intensity fire that can help secure the perimeter in terrain too hazardous for direct engagement. 

Evacuations- Lane County Sheriff has issued Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation notices for HWY 242, Yale Camp, White Branch Youth Camp, Alder Spring Campground, Scott Lake Campground, and private residences off HWY 242. For more information on evacuation status, please visit:  https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3293a4e0f6c1432f9d5b4e27380609fa/page/Wildfire-Evacuations

Closures – Road closures include Foley Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 2643). Closed recreation sites include Rainbow Falls Trailhead and Separation Lake Trailhead. Foley Ridge Trailhead will be inaccessible due to the closure. For the complete Foley Ridge Fire closure order, including a map, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/alerts/foley-ridge-fire-closure-order.

Weather- Mostly sunny skies are forecast for the remainder of the week. Temperatures are consistent and a slight increase in relative humidity is expected. Winds will be light 3-5 mph, with potential gusts up to 15 mph.

McKenzie River Highway (HWY 242)- HWY 242 is closed until further notice from HWY 126 intersection to MP 76. Please use an alternate route and expect delays. Visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s webpage for additional information https://tripcheck.com  

For more information, visit the incident website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-foley-ridge-fire.

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KTVZ

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Representative E. Werner Reschke, R-Klamath Falls, announced Tuesday two resolutions he will introduce during the legislative short session in 2026.

The first will be a resolution declaring October 14th as Charlie Kirk Day. The second resolution is a voter referendum to preserve parental rights in Oregon’s Constitution, Reschke said in a news release issued Tuesday, which you can read in full below:

“Creating strong families is a central them to both these resolutions. Without strong families, we cannot have strong communities, a strong state or strong nation. These resolutions acknowledge, strengthen and encourage the need for strong families.” 

“Charlie Kirk was a once-in-a-lifetime person of character, change and charisma. His focus on families, young adults, and his fearless approach to cultural and political issues was second to none. He exemplified how our political discourse should take place — peacefully and respectfully. He modeled how to live life to its fullest, positively impacting hundreds of millions of people around the world. We should honor such a man. Therefore during the short session I will introduce a resolution declaring October 14th, Charlie Kirk Day. This date was Charlie’s birthday.”

“I will also be reintroducing a resolution that ensures parents have a fundamental right to the upbringing, education and care for their children. In light of AB 495’s serious consideration in California’s legislature, Oregon parents need the protection of such a constitutional provision,” said Rep. Reschke.

The legislative “short session” will begin on February 2, 2026 and concludes no later than March 9, 2026. During the short session, each legislator is allowed to introduce two bills.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The City of Redmond will implement a single-lane, signalized closure on NW Northwest Way from Euston Lane to the new Redmond Wetlands Complex access at 5801 Northwest Way beginning next Monday, September 22, through mid-December.

The closure is necessary to install a 48-inch interceptor line linking the Wetlands Complex to the existing wastewater treatment plant in Dry Canyon, the city said in this week’s news release, which continues below:

Drivers should expect delays in the area and are encouraged to plan alternate routes when possible. Traffic control measures will be in place to ensure safety for both motorists and construction crews. Local access will be maintained for residents and businesses within the construction area.

The Redmond Wetlands Complex is a multi-year investment to expand wastewater treatment capacity while creating engineered wetlands that improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and offer community recreation opportunities. Construction began in summer 2025 and is expected to continue through fall 2027.

For more project information or to sign up for updates, visit www.redmondwetlandscomplex.com. If you have questions, please contact Project Engineer Julie Thiessen directly at 541-504-2016, or by email julie.thiessen@redmondoregon.gov.

Northwest Way Redmond mapDownload

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KTVZ – News Team

KTVZ News is proud to air several of the top matchups in the NFL and College Football. Below is the latest schedule for this week, which includes Sunday Night Football on NBC.

Friday, September 19th:

KFXO/FOX:  

5:00 – 8:30p: Iowa @ Rutgers

Saturday, September 20th

KFXO/FOX- 

7:00-9:00a: Big Noon Kickoff (pregame talk show)

9:00a – 12:30p: Texas Tech @ Utah

12:30 – 4:00p: North Carolina @ UCF

4:00 – 4:30p: Fox College Football Extra (Football talk show)

4:30 – 8:00p: Arizona St. @ Baylor

8:00 -11:30p: Michigan St @ USC

KTVZ/NBC –

9:00a -12:30p: Maryland @ Wisconsin

12:30 – 4:00p: Purdue @ Notre Dame

4:00 – 4:30p: Big Ten Countdown (Pregame show)

4:30 – 7:59:30p: Illinois @ Indiana

Sunday, September 21st

KFXO/FOX – 

8:00 – 9:00a: Fox NFL Kickoff (pregame talk show)

9:00 – 10:00a: Fox NFL Sunday (pregame talk show)

10:00a-1:00p: Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

1:00-4:30p: Arizona Cardinals @ San Fransico 49ers

4:30 – 5:00p: The OT (Postgame show)

KTVZ/NBC:

4:00-5:15p: Football night in America (pregame show)

5:15-8:30p: Kansas City Chief @ New York Giants

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes Children’s Foundation and Heart of Oregon Corps are once again teaming up to protect Central Oregon families by reducing fire risk at DCF’s East Bend Campus.

Funded through a grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, this project supports the safety of the 10+ nonprofit partners and hundreds of children and families who access essential services at the campus each year, according to the organizations, whose news release continues below. 

The fuels reduction work includes thinning vegetation, clearing brush, and creating defensible space around the campus buildings.These efforts not only reduce wildfire risk but also create a safer and more welcoming environment for families who come to the campus to receive services such as health care, foster care advocacy, and early childhood education. 

“Partnerships like this allow us to create safer, healthier environments for children and families across Central Oregon,” said Cassi MacQueen, executive director of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Heart of Oregon Corps and the Oregon State Fire Marshal for their commitment to protecting our campuses and the families we serve.” 

“At Heart of Oregon Corps, we’re proud to put local young people to work on projects that directly benefit our community,” said Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps. “This partnership not only protects children and families who rely on these vital services, but also gives our youth meaningful, hands-on job training.”  

The East Bend Campus is one of four operated by Deschutes Children’s Foundation across Central Oregon. Together, these campuses provide the space and support where 23 nonprofit partners serve more than 19,000 children and families each year, saving partners more than $1.4 million annually in overhead costs. 

About Deschutes Children’s Foundation 

Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year. 

For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, adding interviews with pilot, program coordinator, and student pilots)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For many kids, looking up at the sky sparks a dream. The Young Eagles program turns that dream into reality — giving young people their own flight experience, free of charge.

It’s all part of the mission of the Experimental Aircraft Association: to spark a passion for aviation and open doors for the next generation of pilots.

More than 2 million kids across the country have flown with Young Eagles since the program launched in the 1990s. Here in Central Oregon, volunteers dedicate their own time and money to make it possible.

KTVZ spoke with Jeff Stolasz, a pilot for the program, when he returned from a recent flight with a Young Eagle.

“We just did a Young Eagle flight with McKenzie here. And she was super brave… she was actually flying the airplane after we took off,” Stolasz said.

Stolasz’s ‘co-pilot’, Young Eagle McKenzie Goodrich, was excited to share her experience and the connection she has to the program. 

“I just like flying and being in the air. My sister is getting her private pilot’s license this month, and she’s hoping to join the military,” Goodrich said. 

Thomas Wright, Young Eagles coordinator, spoke with KTVZ News about the program. The volunteer efforts are what make it all possible. 

“Everyone here is doing this on their own time,” Wright said. “The pilots, they’re doing it with their own money. And it’s wonderful to see them come out and help this program.”

And the impact goes far beyond a single flight. Students can earn scholarships through the program to help pay for their private pilot’s license — helping to turn childhood dreams into career paths.

“It’s just so gratifying to see kids from all walks of life,” Wright added. “We open the door of opportunity to them… and they’re on their way. They’re going to be pilots.”  

That opportunity is fueling ambition for students across Central Oregon. Three Young Eagles scholars — students who have received scholarships from the program to earn their pilots’ licenses — shared what has fueled their passion for aviation. All point to family members as inspiration. 

Tobann Bionda, a student pilot with Young Eagles, shared how he’s following in his brother’s footsteps.

“My brother and I used to watch Trent Palmer videos, and we just thought it was super awesome. We both wanted to become pilots. He got his pilot’s license two years ago, and I’m just following him,” Bionda said.

Delilah Richards, Young Eagles student pilot, got her love of traveling from the opportunities that came along with her mom’s job. 

“I got involved with flying because my mom works at the airport. I thought, why not have a career where I can just travel all the time? So that kind of just got me involved with flying. And I’ve just always loved it,” Richards said. 

The sister McKenzie Goodrich spoke about after her flight is Young Eagles student pilot and scholar Taylor Goodrich. 

“My dad was a private pilot, he was my initial inspiration,” Taylor Goodrich said. “I’ve joined Civil Air Patrol, and that’s really helped to push me forward in this. Now I’m applying for service academies and Military Service Academy. I want to fly fighter jets for the military, and that’s kind of my end goal.”

From first flights to future careers, the Young Eagles program is giving students a chance to reach both the sky and their dreams.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Teacher of the Year honor announced; background)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, .announced Tuesday morning that Redmond High School English Teacher Mona Mensing is one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year.

Mensing was honored in a surprise all-school assembly. KTVZ News was there and will have more on tonight’s broadcasts.

Here’s the rest of the announcement:

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon.

Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.  

Mensing was nominated by one of her students, who wrote, “She pushes her students to work their absolute best and helps them achieve their true potential.” They also added, “She makes me feel seen and heard as both a student and a person.” 

The Principal of Redmond High School, Audrey Haugan, touted, “Mona Mensing represents the very best of what teaching can and should be: a profession driven by passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to student success. She is not just teaching English; she is inspiring young minds, fostering critical thinking, and helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, young adults.” 

In her nomination, Mensing noted, “I have always felt like nurturing teenagers in a classroom all day comes with great responsibility to let them know the importance of their world outside.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state.

Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Director of Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor and learn from their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October. Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, more than $4.1 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Redmond School District, and over $14.5 million went to Deschutes County. 

“This group of standout Oregon teachers bring their passion for education and leadership abilities to work every day,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”    

On Friday, September 19, once all 16 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Excitement is building at Redmond High School this morning with a special announcement on the way. The school is hosting a surprise reveal for the Regional Teacher of the Year award.

The recognition comes from a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery. It honors teacher excellence through nominations from students, colleagues, and administrators.

Each Regional Teacher of the Year receives a $1,000 cash prize and moves forward as a finalist for Oregon State Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in October.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding video, details)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter Tuesday to the heads of all state agencies, telling them to immediately halt any out of state non emergency travel and to prepare for major budget cuts.

Kotek said in a statement, ” Budget challenges demand that we, as leaders, have the courage to take our best laid plans and put them back on the drawing board as conditions change – to sharpen our pencils, do more with less, and ground ourselves in what matters most.”

The governor listed three actionable items in the statement. First, all agencies should slow operational general and lottery fund spending. Second, Oregon’s chief financial officer will determine reduction targets. Finally, the state will reduce out-of-state travel costs.

This comes after the budget lawmakers passed back in June with a projected surplus of $437 million has now turned into a projected shortfall of $375 million – an over $800 million swing.

Kotek has previously blamed President Trump and the One Big Beautiful Bill for the state’s shortfall, though Oregon Republicans have called out the governor’s and Democrats’ spending.

Read the full letter below:

091625-governors-letter-to-agency-leaders

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