Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

Bend Heroes Foundation also plans Flag Day flag placement, ceremonies

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation on Thursday converted the first two Oregon Medal of Honor Highway signs along US Highway 20 across the state to National Medal of Honor Highway signs, with more to follow.

“The conversion was simple – remove ‘Oregon’ and replace it with a 12×48-inch panel displaying ‘National’ pop-riveted on the same signs,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Tobiason, chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation.

The ODOT sign installer converted a sign in 30 minutes. The Bend Heroes Foundation paid ODOT to convert six of the 12 installed signs.  In the next few weeks, Tobiason said they will convert signs on each end of the 451-mile highway and two more locations in between (Corvallis and Burns).

“By converting half of the 12 Oregon MOH Highway signs we have respected the Oregon law creating the Oregon Medal of Honor Highway as well as the new Federal law signed by President Biden (PL118-154) on Dec. 17, 2024,” Tobiason said.  

Tobiason said dedication of the 3,365-mile coast-to-coast National Medal of Honor Highway is planned for a year from now.

Meanwhile, the Bend Heroes Foundation and volunteers will celebrate Flag Day on Saturday by displaying American flags previously flown over our nation’s Capitol and bearing the names of veterans. The Mountain View High School Navy Cadet Corps has the honor of leading flag installations again in their 20th year of displaying flags in Bend.

They will also celebrate the United States Army’s 250th birthday before installing flags. At the request of the Foundation, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler issued the Army birthday proclamation, which will be read at the ceremony by City Councilor State Platt, Colonel, USAF, Retired. President Trump’s proclamation will also be read.

A special Army birthday banner will be displayed at Bend Heroes Memorial until 4:00 p.m., when the flags will be retired. A bagpiper will play while the Army birthday cake will be cut by the oldest and youngest Army veterans present.

The ceremonies begin at 7:00 am, Saturday at Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park. They are free of charge and open to the public. 

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Tyson Beauchemin

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The destructive Rowena Fire forced the evacuation of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, so the Sunriver Nature Center stepped in to provide a temporary home for four displaced raptors.

“We are currently caring for two bald eagles, a red-tailed hawk, and an American kestrel — all of whom were safely relocated to our site late last night,” Sunriver Nature Center Executive Director Shannon Ries told KTVZ News on Friday.

“While we are not legally permitted to display these incredible raptors to the public, we believe it’s important to show our support for the people — and animals — impacted by this natural disaster,” Ries added.

“This effort reflects a shared commitment among Oregon’s nature and wildlife organizations to support one another in times of need,” she said. “We’re grateful to be in a position to help, and we hope that by quietly doing our part, we can ease the burden on our colleagues and provide a safe, stable environment for these birds while their permanent home recovers.”

The nature center’s lead wildlife manager has experience with bald eagles, but this situation gives the center an opportunity to train other staff.

The Sunriver Nature Center says it’s prepared to house these birds for as long as needed.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Saturday is Flag Day, the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday…and, a day of protests.

In response to the Trump administration’s recent controversial actions, the ‘No Kings’ movement has protests planned tomorrow in Prineville, Madras, Redmond, and Bend.

KTVZ News spoke with event volunteer, Cyndi Davis, to learn about the organization’s goals for the events. 

“It’s a community action fair, to foster community, share information, talk about the impacts that this administration has had on local, Central Oregon nonprofits, and other groups. Our intent is to help educate folks about the power of democracy and our constitution and using your voice. We are 100% committed to nonviolent action, peaceful protesting,” said Davis.

Sheila Miller with Bend Police told KTVZ the department supports the public’s right to protest — officers will only be present at the Bend protest “if requested” by organizers, or if a crime occurs. 

Organizers encourage you to come with an open mind and peaceful attitude. “We invite everyone to come and use their voice. That’s even with our hecklers and possibly people from the other side of this. We all have a voice. We respect that right that we have in this country to use your voice. We welcome everyone tomorrow to join in with that conversation. Put out a welcoming hand to them and invite them in and and have some conversation,” said Davis.

In response to the ‘No Kings’ protests, local supporters of President Trump have organized a ‘Ride and Drive’ event. That group changed course due to the downtown Bend cycling race, the Cascade Classic Cycling Criterium. They now plan to walk to drake park. KTVZ reached out to that event’s organizer for comment, but have not received a response. 

Organizers of ‘No Kings’ emphasize a commitment to nonviolence, and say all participants are expected to de-escalate conflict, and keep the focus on peaceful action.

“Let’s use our energy to unify our voice, to support democracy, and our constitution. We hope that everybody puts their best foot forward when they show up to drake park and help us celebrate that uniqueness that the United States has and that we desire to keep,” said Davis.

KTVZ will be covering the events. Be sure to stay with us for updates throughout the weekend.

See below for times and locations across Central Oregon: 

Prineville: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.; Pioneer Park – 450 NE Third St

Madras: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; North Y near Sonic Drive-In – US 26 and NW Maple St

Redmond: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.; Joann Fabric and Crafts – 732 SW 6th St

Bend: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at Drake Park, followed by march to Peace Corner at Newport Avenue and Wall Street – 777 NW Riverside Blvd

*The Sisters protest has been canceled due to conflicting Sisters Rodeo events

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It wasn’t your typical split as Deschutes County commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday to lease a small parcel at the county’s Public Safety Campus to Mountain View Community Development for up to six micro-shelters to house the homeless, part of its Safe Parking program.

Commissioners Phil Chang and Patti Adair voted to have county staff draft a lease with with Mountain View Community Development of the quarter-acre parcel at the southeast corner of the campus housing the sheriff’s office and other departments.

But fellow Commissioner and board Chairman Tony DeBone said he would not support the move, questioning the timeline, long-term funding certainty and other aspects of the project. He said Safe Parking sites, to him, involve RVs or trailers and not more permanent structures, though these don’t have plumbing, only electrical hookups.

“I just don’t see this as a residential area – I never have,” DeBone said.

Rick Russell, lead pastor of Mountain View Fellowship and executive director of the development organization, said of the 96-square-foot “pods,” “Everything here is meant to be portable and temporary.”

Chang often, but not always, is on the losing end of 2-1 votes on the board he shares with two more conservative officials.

Adair noted the Safe Parking program’s 35% success rate and said, “We’re going to have to be incredibly careful who stays there.”

Bend Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins urged the board to approve the “valuable addition” to the Safe Parking program that began in Redmond and expanded to Bend.

You can watch the complete discussion from the KTVZ+ livestream above and view the presentation to the board about the plans below.

Microshelters presentation Deschutes County commissionersDownload

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thursday was the last day of school for Bend-La Pine Schools, and at schools across the region, teachers waved goodbye to departing school buses.

Desks and lockers got cleaned out as students left their classrooms for a deserved summer break.

For some students, the day was bittersweet. At Rosland Elementary in La Pine, some students did not want the year to end. Teachers got lots of hugs – and some kids even asked if they could come back Friday. Others were overjoyed to finally be free from school for the summer.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting next week, airline passengers traveling through Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) will notice a change in how they access gates and aircraft as a major, multi-year terminal expansion project begins. 

Here’s Friday’s announcement from airport officials:

A temporary underground tunnel is required to support baggage operations during the construction, so the main concourse hallway doors serving gates 6 through 8 will be permanently closed.  During this closure, passengers departing from those gates will be safely rerouted through door 4 and across the tarmac to board their flights via a clearly marked and secure outdoor pathway. 

“This tunnel is essential to keep baggage services running smoothly while we improve and expand the terminal,” said Zachary Bass, Airport Director. “We’ve planned this carefully to minimize disruption, and our team will be on hand to ensure passengers feel informed and supported throughout the construction.” 

The tunnel provides access for baggage screening and handling operations to temporarily move out from under active construction zones, ensuring continuity of service as key parts of the terminal are renovated and expanded.  

Passengers should expect: 

A new route to planes. 

Signage and airline staff assistance throughout the area. 

No anticipated delays or scheduled changes to flights. 

Travelers are encouraged to: 

Arrive at least two hours prior to departure.  

Follow all posted wayfinding signage. 

Visit www.flyrdm.com/terminal-expansion for updates, renderings, FAQs, and travel tips. 

RDM is proud to serve Central Oregon with a fast, friendly and clean experience, and this expansion project ensures we can do that even better in the years to come. 

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new fire reported late Friday morning burned in grass, brush and juniper about six miles northeast of Madras. It covered about 126 acres by mid-afternoon, prompting a Level 1 GET READY evacuation notice in the area for a time.

Around 1 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued the Level 1 GET READY alert for people in Zone SW 14, near SW Wood Street. The alert was lifted around 2 p.m., and the sheriff’s office said no evacuation levels were in place in the county.

The Emerson Fire, fully contained by Friday evening, was reported shortly before noon east of Emerson Drive, about five miles northeast of a grass fire late Thursday afternoon that prompted Level 3 GO NOW evacuations for a time, and which officials said was caused when a property owner’s mower struck a rock.

The sheriff’s office said in its initial report Friday, “Teams are also responding to the smoke near Fern Ln. There are no evacuation levels at this time. If anything changes, we will send out messages through the Frontier Everbridge Alert System as well as update Facebook.”

Watch Duty quoted incident commanders around 1:20 p.m., saying: “The fire is approximately 150 acres and mostly tied in by roads. Good progress is being made, just closing up the extra areas.” Forward progress was reported stopped about an hour later.

Here’s a fact sheet on the Emerson Fire, issued by Central Oregon fire officials at 12:43 p.m. and updated around 2 p.m.:

Start Date/Time: June 13, 11:34 AM

Location: approx. 6 miles NE of Madras

Jurisdiction: Crooked River National Grassland

Fire Size: approx. 50 acres (updated at 2:01 p.m. to 150 acres, around 2:44 p.m. to 126 acres)

Cause: under investigation

Fuels: Grass, brush, juniper

Structures/Evacuations: 

Containment: 0%

Fire Crews/Resources: Interagency fire crews are suppressing the new wildfire start with the following resources:  6 engines, 2 large air tankers, 1 helicopter, 1 air attacks as well as 2 engines from the Ashwood-Antelope RFPA.

KTVZ News will keep you updated on KTVZ.COM and KTVZ News reports Friday evening, with livestreams as warranted on the KTVZ+ app.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon will be part of a national wave of “No Kings” Trump administration protests planned around the nation on Saturday, while supporters of the president plan events of their own on the High Desert

KTVZ News received this media advisory this week about a Bend ‘No Kings” Community Action Fair, March and Protest planned Saturday afternoon.

WHO: 50501 Central Oregon, Indivisible Bend, Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition and Indivisible Sisters

WHAT: Community Action Fair at Drake Park and Peaceful demonstration at Peace Corner to support U.S. Democracy and to remind President Trump and his enablers: America has No King!

WHEN: Saturday, June 14th. 3pm to 430pm Drake Park, and 445pm at Peace Corner

Bend, OR – As part of a National Day of Action, four Central Oregon progressive groups are working together to organize a combination community action fair and protest to respond to the Trump administration’s attack on civil rights, Medicare and Medicaid, free speech, free trade, immigrant communities and education.

The community action fair in Drake Park will feature speakers describing the impact of this administration’s actions on our Central Oregon communities. Speakers will include U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Pam Mindt, and wrongly fired National Forest Service employee Liz Crandall.  At 430pm, participants will march to Peace Corner for a peaceful, non-violent protest.

U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Mindt states: “Make no mistake. As citizens of the United States, our rights and those of future generations are under siege. We must set aside our party affiliations, we must shout and live: ‘Country over Party’.”

Meanwhile, President Trump’s supporters plan on Saturday a Ride and Drive-in in support of Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

Here’s the statement they posted to Facebook:

The reason for this event is due to the anti-Trump protest (“NO KINGS NATIONAL DAY OF DEFIANCE”) coming to our communities this Saturday in protest of everything our administration is doing to make America safe and prosperous!

“This Saturday, June 14th (Flag Day), several protests are happening around Central Oregon. In the past, these have gotten out of hand and violent, some anti-Trump protesters even striking and knocking down local news media.

The dems actually “think” the DC parade is to celebrate Trump’s birthday, NOT Flag Day OR the Army’s 250th birthday.

Wouldn’t it be nice to gather a TON of Patriotic riders, cars, trucks, whatever, to roll on through these protests and do a few laps in SUPPORT of AMERICA FIRST, President Trump, law enforcement, ICE, the now deployed National Guard and Marines who are protecting our cities from the violence and mass rioting.

WAVE YOUR AMERICAN FLAGS AND TRUMP FLAGS!!

This is a CIRCLE THRU ONLY. NO STOPS at Trump protest locations.

Fuel up, get your flags and let’s DO THIS to show our support for keeping America safe! I know it’s last minute, but this is IMPORTANT as a Patriot!!

WHERE & WHEN

Meet at 11:30 this Saturday at the old Costco parking lot.

ROUTE:1st location, the Prineville Pioneer Park protest at 12:30.

2nd location, Redmond Joann’s Fabrics protest 2:00, then a stop at Redmond Timbers.

3rd and final location at Drake Park, Bend at 4-4:30.

KTVZ News will have team LIVE coverage on KTVZ.com | The KTVZ News App | KTVZ+

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from Bend Fire and Rescue)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Recent fires in Central Oregon and across the state are showing how devastating human-caused sparks can be.

About 75% of wildfires are caused by humans, the Oregon Department of Forestry says. With Central Oregon’s fire season getting off to a dry, hot start, ODF wants to remind the community that we all need to work together to reduce our risk. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Tuesday that additional fire restrictions would go into effect for the Central Oregon District, starting next Monday. 

On Thursday, at least two human-caused fires were started, one near Madras sparked by a mowing property owner who hit a rock, and another in Bend. The Rowena Fire that exploded earlier this week and destroyed at least 20 homes was also found to be human-caused.

“With the high fire danger that we’re in, people need to be aware that approximately 85% of fires are human-caused,” said Cindy Kettring with Bend Fire and Rescue. “So that’s everything from equipment used to discarded cigarettes. Human behavior plays a huge role.”

Residents caught illegally burning or causing a wildfire can face citations, a misdemeanor charge, and even pay for air support to tackle the wildfire. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry says the top three causes of human-caused fires are debris burning, equipment use (which includes cars, ATVs, and even lawnmowers), and campfires.

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Kelsey Merison

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — For this month’s Small Business Spotlight, KTVZ is highlighting Tumalo Coffeehouse as it celebrates 10 years in business the entire month of June.

Located right in the heart of Tumalo, the coffee shop has made quite the name for itself–combining good coffee and community.

“(My favorite part about working in Tumalo is) the community. There’s a lot of great people here and a lot of regular customers,” said Jasmine Cook, one of the managers at Tumalo Coffeehouse. “They’re just the best people here, honestly.”

Jasmine Cook

But there’s a unique twist.

“We have a ranch and we raise alpacas. We shear them every year. We produce fiber off of them into garments,” said Amanda VandenBosch, the owner of Tumalo Coffeehouse. “We also have a store in Sisters, Alpaca by Design. “So we sell all our alpaca products there as well. We also do alpaca picnics.”

Amanda VandenBosch

“You come out to the farm, you visit with the alpacas, you feed them. We put on the most beautiful picnic lunch prepared by Tumalo Coffeehouse,” VandenBosch said. “I have the most amazing crew at the farm, in the coffee shop, at the alpaca store.”

Credit: @pacapicnics / Instagram

From coffee to alpacas — and everything in between — they’re proving teamwork makes the dreamwork.

“We just are alpaca-centric all the way through, and we weave it through our business,” VandenBosch said. “Tumalo Coffeehouse, Alpaca by Design, and Flying Dutchman Alpacas. So it really is very special.” 

A special mix — supported by the community for the past decade.

Anniversary specials

“Honestly, it feels really good to work in a place that’s very community-based,” Cook said. “Everything’s local, which people appreciate a lot. And I do too. Support local is a big thing, especially here.”

For more information on Tumalo Coffeehouse, click here. For more information on the alpaca picnics, click here.

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